Caring for lilacs
Julie Asked
I have a lilac that doesn’t bloom in the spring, despite having beautiful green foliage. What is my lilac missing that it needs to bloom?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Julie: Lilacs perform best in well-drained soil and full sun. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day is required for blooms. Depending on the specific lilac that you are growing, it could be that it is not mature enough to bloom yet. Certain species (Syringa vulgaris) do not bloom as young plants and can take at least three years before they produce their first flowers. Pruning in the late summer or fall can remove flower buds for the following spring. Over-feeding can also cause them not to bloom. Fertilizer high in nitrogen will promote leafy growth and decrease flowering. Lilacs are not heavy feeders but if you fertilize, be sure to follow recommended rate applications for the product you purchased. Hopefully this gives you some ideas of why your lilac is not blooming.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
