Lilacs can definitely go in a vase! They are a popular flower choice for many people due to their beautiful and fragrant blooms. Lilacs make a lovely addition to any floral arrangement or bouquet.
When it comes to cutting lilacs for a vase, timing is key. As I mentioned earlier, it’s best to cut them before they are fully bloomed. This is because lilacs continue to open and bloom after they are cut, so if you wait until they are fully open, they may not last as long in the vase.
I personally like to pick our lilacs when they are around 3/4 bloomed. At this stage, they are still quite beautiful and will continue to open up in the vase, providing a longer vase life. However, if you prefer a slightly more open look, you can cut them when they are around 1/2 bloomed. I find that our white lilac bush looks particularly stunning at this stage.
To cut lilacs for a vase, you’ll want to use sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors. Select a few stems that have multiple blooms and are healthy-looking. Cut the stems at an angle, which helps with water absorption. Remove any leaves that will be below the water line in the vase.
Once you have cut the lilacs, it’s important to place them in water as soon as possible. Fill a clean vase with cool water and add a floral preservative if you have one. If not, you can make a homemade floral preservative by mixing 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a few drops of bleach in a quart of water. This mixture helps to nourish the flowers and prevent bacterial growth.
When arranging the lilacs in the vase, you can remove any additional foliage that would be below the water line. This helps to keep the water clean and prevents any potential rotting or discoloration. Place the lilacs in the vase, making sure that the stems are fully submerged in the water.
Lilacs typically prefer cooler temperatures, so it’s best to keep them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Change the water every few days and recut the stems at an angle to promote water uptake. This will help to prolong the vase life of your lilacs.
With proper care, lilacs can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days in a vase. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as the freshness of the blooms, the quality of care, and the specific variety of lilac.
Lilacs can definitely be enjoyed in a vase. By cutting them before they are fully bloomed and providing them with proper care, you can enjoy these beautiful and fragrant flowers indoors for an extended period of time. So go ahead and bring some lilac charm into your home with a lovely vase arrangement!