Unfortunately, lilac blooms have the reputation of not lasting long when cut and brought indoors. Although this is true, compared to most cut flowers, there are ways to extend their vase life so we can enjoy their short pleasures a little bit longer.
To keep your cut lilacs lasting longer in the home, here are a few DO'S and DONT'S.
DON'T smash the ends of the cut lilac stems with a hammer, an old practice guaranteed not to work. This procedure actually causes more harm than good. It actually crushes the lilac's capillary system and therefore destroys the ability to draw up water, which is what essentially keeps the lilac hydrated and alive.
Instead DO cut the branch on an angle and then make a clean cut vertically up the stem about 1 to2 inches. DO place immediately in a bucket of water while you continue to gather more lilac blooms and continue this detail as you fill up your bucket with the lilacs.
When you have brought your lilacs in to prep for arranging, DO take your knife and scrape the bark off the bottom 2 inches or so and recut the branch again on the diagonal and again vertically up the center of the stem. Do immediately place the newly cut stems in a few inches of boiling water, which you can prepare while the lilacs are resting in the bucket of water when you bring them in. Leave them in the boiling water until the water cools. Place clean room temperature water in a vase with flower food and arrange your lilacs. Do remember to change the water in the vase daily to keep your lilacs fresh for as long as possible.
With just a bit of extra steps your lilacs will grace your home with their beauty and scent much longer. Try it! Or stop by The Farm at Mill Village for an arrangement of lilacs with these steps already done for you. DO remember unfortunately it is not a very long season.
