Every May, just as the tulips are finishing up, almost like clockwork, the lilacs start..I notice the wild ones along the road and around the pasture start popping open.
Their scent is unmistakable—sweet, nostalgic, and fleeting.
Lilacs are one of spring’s most joyful offerings. And while we’d all love to bottle up their beauty, they can be a little... dramatic once you bring them inside. If you’ve ever clipped a bunch only to find them wilting by the next day, you’re not alone. Lilacs have woody stems and a mind of their own.
But there are a few simple tricks that can help you stretch their vase life and enjoy their magic indoors just a little bit longer.
Tips for Harvesting and Enjoying Lilacs Indoors
1. Harvest in the Morning
Cut your lilacs in the early morning when their stems are fully hydrated. They’ll last longer and handle the transition indoors much better.
2. Choose Blooms That Are 3/4 Open
If the flowers are still tightly closed, they may not open well in the vase. If they’re already fully open, they’ll fade faster. Look for that sweet spot—mostly open, with a few buds still to go.
3. Strip Most of the Leaves
Lilac leaves are thirsty, and they’ll compete with the blooms for water. Strip off most (or all) of the leaves to direct moisture where it matters most.
4. Give the Stems a Fresh Cut and a Gentle Smash
Use sharp clippers to give each stem a fresh, angled cut. Then gently crush the bottom inch or so of the stem with a hammer or the back of your pruners. This helps open up the woody stem so it can take in more water.
5. Try a Hot Water Dip
This sounds odd, but it really works. Dip the freshly cut and crushed ends of your lilac stems into boiling water for 5–10 seconds. This helps soften the woody tissue and prevents the sap from sealing up the base.
6. Use Clean Vases and Fresh Water
Lilacs are sensitive to bacteria, so use a clean vase and change the water every day or two. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to help them last even longer.
Lilacs might not be the longest-lasting cut flower out there, but they make up for it with pure spring magic. Even if you only get a few days out of them, it’s worth it—don’t you think?
So clip a few branches, try a couple of these tricks, and bring some of that wild, fleeting beauty indoors. Just be ready to fall in love with lilacs all over again.
Here’s a farm video with all the lilac tips and tricks for a longer vase life.