Complete Guide to Lilac Propagation Methods: Latest Techniques Explained

Lilac is a deciduous shrub or small tree, named for its slender, nail-like flower tubes and rich fragrance. When it blooms, the inflorescences are large and the flowers abundant, with delicate colors and a fragrant scent. It is also easy to cultivate, so it is widely grown in gardens. In addition, it can be used as a spice, medicinal material, and flower tea, giving it certain economic value. When planting it, the first thing to do is propagate it. Below, the editor brings you the complete guide to lilac propagation methods. Let's take a look.

1. Sowing

Sowing is suitable for large-scale lilac planting and is generally used to obtain a large number of saplings. Lilac sowing is usually carried out in spring, when the temperature is suitable for its seeds to germinate. Before sowing, pre-germination treatment is needed first to ensure the germination rate. First soak the seeds in water for 1-2 days, then remove them after they have absorbed enough water. After briefly drying, bury them in wet sand to promote germination, keeping the sand moist. After one week, they can be sown. When sowing, the soil covering should not be too deep; 1-1.5 cm is appropriate. After sowing, if the temperature is too low, insulation measures should be taken, such as covering with straw or plastic film. One month after sowing, they will germinate. Remember to remove the covering. After seedlings emerge, remove weak seedlings and cultivate strong ones. Field management should also be strengthened, such as weeding, watering, and fertilizing.

2. Cuttage

The cuttage method is generally used for small-scale planting. The cuttage time is usually one month after the flowers fade. Select robust, disease-free plants as mother plants, and choose vigorous one- or two-year-old branches from the mother plant as cuttings. Choose a fertile, loose soil location and insert the cuttings directly into the soil, letting them slowly take root and form new seedlings. During cuttage, to increase the rooting rate, apply rooting agent to the wounds. After cuttage, control the temperature at 22-25 degrees and keep soil moisture at 30-40%. Roots will form in about 30-40 days. When the roots turn yellow-brown, they can be planted out.

3. Grafting

Grafting is generally used to improve the superior qualities of a variety. Bud grafting is usually used. For the scion, select leaf buds from branches of the current year. For the rootstock, choose 1-2 year old lilac trees. Cut the base of the leaf bud into a wedge shape, make a horizontal cut on the rootstock 5 cm above the ground, then make a vertical cut at the incision to form a T shape, insert the scion into the T shape so they are closely connected, and then wrap it well with plastic film. 15-20 days after bud grafting, the leaf stalk on the scion will fall off naturally. At this point, the plastic film can be removed.

4. Division

Lilac division means dividing buds. In early spring or late autumn, the plant's root system grows small buds. We can dig out these small buds and then find another place to replant them. If it is autumn, they need to be heeled in to overwinter, then planted in early spring.

The above is the complete guide to lilac propagation methods. We hope it helps you. To learn more about lilac cultivation knowledge, please stay tuned to us.