A Complete Guide to Lilac Propagation Methods, with Detailed Practical Tips
Lilac is a deciduous shrub or small tree, named for its slender, nail-like floral tube and rich fragrance. When it blooms, the inflorescences are large and the flowers are abundant, with elegant, delicate colors and a sweet 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 a complete guide to lilac propagation methods. Let's take a look.
1. Sowing
Sowing is suitable for large-scale lilac cultivation 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, germination must first be promoted to ensure the germination rate. First soak the seeds in water for 1-2 days, then remove them once they have absorbed enough water. After drying them slightly, bury them in moist 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. They will germinate one month after sowing. Remember to remove the covering. After the seedlings emerge, remove the weak seedlings and cultivate strong ones. Field management should also be strengthened, such as weeding, watering, and fertilizing.
2. Cuttings
The cutting method is generally used for small-scale planting. Cuttings are usually taken one month after the flowers fade. Select a robust, disease-free plant as the mother plant, and choose vigorous one- to two-year-old branches from the mother plant as cuttings. Choose a place with fertile, loose soil and insert the cuttings directly into the soil, letting them slowly take root and form new seedlings. When taking cuttings, to increase the rooting rate, a rooting agent can be applied to the wound. After cutting, control the temperature at 22-25°C and keep soil moisture at 30-40%. Roots will form in about 30-40 days, and when the roots turn yellow-brown, they can be planted out.
3. Grafting
Grafting is generally used to improve the quality of a variety. Bud grafting is usually used. For the scion, choose the leaf buds of branches grown in the current year, and for the rootstock, choose a 1-2 year old lilac tree. 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, then insert the scion into the T shape so that they are closely connected, and wrap it well with plastic film. 15-20 days after bud grafting, the petiole on the scion will fall off naturally, and at this point the plastic film can be removed.
4. Division
Lilac division means dividing the buds. In early spring or late autumn, the plant's root system produces 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 a complete guide to lilac propagation methods. We hope it helps you. To learn more about lilac cultivation, please stay tuned to us.