Can I Dig Up and Plant Shoots from Lilac Trees?

If you love the stunning, fragrant blooms of lilac trees and want to grow your own, you may be wondering if you can dig up and plant shoots from existing lilac trees. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you should know before you get started.

Choosing the Right Time to Dig Up Lilac Shoots

If you want to dig up and plant lilac shoots, it's important to choose the right time to do so. The best time to transplant lilac shoots is in the spring, before the tree begins to leaf out. This will give the plant ample time to develop new roots and adjust to its new location before the hot summer weather sets in.

Identifying Suitable Lilac Shoots

You'll want to choose healthy, vigorous lilac shoots to transplant. Look for shoots that are at least 6 inches long and have several leaves. Avoid shoots that are weak, diseased, or damaged.

Preparing the Lilac Shoots for Transplanting

Before transplanting lilac shoots, prepare them carefully to ensure their success. Dig up the shoots with a sharp spade, taking care to get as much of the root system as possible. Trim the roots back by about a third to encourage the plant to develop new roots. Then, cut the shoot back by about half to compensate for the loss of roots.

Planting the Lilac Shoots

Choose a new location for your lilac shoots that gets full sun and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the lilac shoot and deep enough for the entire root system. Place the shoot in the hole and backfill with soil, taking care not to cover the topmost leaves. Water the plant deeply.

Caring for Your Transplanted Lilac Shoots

Once you've transplanted your lilac shoots, you'll need to take good care of them to ensure their success. Keep the soil around the plant moist but not saturated, and water deeply once a week if there is no rainfall. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall. If your lilac shoot blooms the following year, be sure to deadhead the flowers once they fade to encourage more blooms in the future.

Conclusion

Digging up and planting lilac shoots is a great way to grow new plants and spread the beauty and fragrance of these stunning trees. By planting your shoot at the right time, choosing healthy plants, preparing them carefully for transplantation, and taking good care of them after planting, you can enjoy the beauty of lilacs in your own garden for years to come.