How do lilacs propagate

The foods produced by photosynthesis are necessary for the formation of roots. Gardeners familiar with plant propagation by means of cutting often use "hardwood cuttings" that have completed growth at the end of the growing season.

This method is not recommended for lilacs. In many instances, lilacs are grafted. Grafting is much more successful than propagation by cuttings. Another method of propagation that is useful for lilacs that are not grafted is to dig suckers from around the base of the plant and replant them. These suckers are sprouts that developed from the roots and have formed their own roots. This is perhaps the easiest way for most homeowners to propagate lilacs. Marisa Y.

Marisa Thompson at desertblooms nmsu. Please copy your County Extension Agent and indicate your county of residence when you submit your question! Understand that it's difficult to achieve, although you can improve your chances by taking your cuttings at the right time and providing the proper cultural conditions for rooting.

Plan to take your lilac cuttings on a spring morning just following flowering when fresh, new growth has reached a length of 4 to 6 inches. Any delay beyond this point greatly diminishes your chances for a positive outcome. Do not allow the cuttings to dry out. Have your pots filled with moist potting medium before you take your cuttings and be prepared to plant them immediately following hormone treatment. If you're not able to treat and stick your cuttings right away, you can wrap them loosely in wet paper towels and leave them in a shaded area for a few minutes.

Fill peat pots with moistened potting soil mixed with sand or vermiculite to accommodate at least three to four lilac cuttings, one cutting to a pot. This growing medium will provide stability and hold moisture around newly forming root systems. Slip on a pair of gardening gloves and use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to remove at least three or four, 4- to 6-inch softwood lilac cuttings that contain two or three leaf nodes, or points where the leaves grow.

According to an article in Fine Gardening magazine, a softwood cutting is "the section of a shrub's stem that's neither brand new nor fully mature. If the cutting breaks easily, it's softwood. If it bends but won't break, the wood is too young. You must be logged in to post a comment. Sites at Penn State. A healthy stock plant should have luscious, bright leaves. Examine the plant to make sure it is free of disease and insects.

If any sign of disease or insect infestation is spotted, do not use the plant. You should select a branch with moderate thickness. Lilacs are hard-to-root species so a branch that is too thick or thin will not propagate.

Because lilacs are softwood, cuttings should be selected immediately after the plant begins to resume growth in the spring or early summer. Bruins, Elizabeth. Downey, Lillian. Demand Media, n.