What Is The Best Time Of Year To Plant Lilacs?

Lilacs are shrubs that have wonderfully fragrant flowers. They are very hardy plants that can live for decades. The common lilac, Syringa vulgaris, can grow up to 12 feet tall, with its flowers blooming perfectly at eye level, according to the Farmer's Almanac. However, there's a variety of lilacs for everyone, with the smallest type, Syringa meyeri, only growing 5 feet.

Adding lilacs to your garden is an excellent choice — even butterflies will come to your yard to admire their beauty. These flowers are usually a shade of purple, but they can also be pink, yellow, white, or blue. It takes years for these shrubs to mature before they can produce blooms. Once you see their flowers, it'll all be worth it. They last for about two weeks, but to keep your garden filled with lilacs all season, plant a wide variety. To ensure your lilacs are hearty enough to withstand winter and produce flowers for many years, you must first know when to plant them.

There are two times a year that you can plant lilacs — early spring and fall. For the strongest lilac bushes, spring may be best, depending on how harsh your winters are, according to New Hampshire Governor's Lilac and Wildflower Commission. They will need to be larger and more established to survive freezing temperatures, so planting after the last frost will give the roots enough time to establish themselves and grow before winter begins. However, if you only have mild winters, you can plant from August to October, as long as the ground hasn't started to freeze. It's important that the soil is still warm to allow your lilac bushes' new roots to thrive.

There are multiple ways to plant lilacs. Starting from seed is rarely done because it takes around five years before they begin to bloom, according to Gardeners Net. Another option is to plant a runner shoot which is when the main plant begins growing a new one beside it. This is the easiest option because once the runner is about 2 feet tall, you simply cut it and transplant it. Propagating a cutting is the final way to start lilacs. You'll need to cut a stem with roots and place it in water to grow. After the roots are 1 inch longer, you can transplant them.

Once you've decided to take a cutting from a lilac bush or purchase one from a garden supply store, it's time to choose where you're going to put it. For your lilacs to grow to their full potential, you need to set them up for success. You'll need a space in your garden with full sun. If there is shade for more than half the day, it won't be enough to sustain lilacs. The soil should drain well while retaining some moisture.

Spacing is important because you need to leave room for growth. Your lilacs should generally be 5 to 15 feet apart but check the label for the specific development of your variety. When you're ready to plant your lilacs, Gardener's Supply Company recommends digging a hole wide enough to fit the root system after you've spread it out. You should also place your lilacs about 2 to 3 inches deeper than they were in the nursery pot. Once you've filled the hole with more soil, don't forget to give it plenty of water.