Seed Treatment:
• Cold stratification required to break dormancy
• Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours
• Then cold stratify: place seeds in moist sand or vermiculite in a sealed bag and refrigerate at 35–40°F (1–4°C) for 30–90 days
When to Sow:
• Indoors: Sow immediately after stratification, about 8–10 weeks before last frost
• Outdoors: Sow directly in fall for natural cold stratification
Light Requirements:
• Requires full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
• Best flowering occurs in sunny locations
Soil Requirements:
• Prefers well-draining, loamy soil
• Tolerates clay or sandy soils if drainage is good
• pH range: 6.5–7.5
Sowing Instructions:
• Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep
• Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy
• Ideal germination temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
• Germination may take 30–90 days, so be patient
Watering:
• Keep consistently moist during germination
• Once established, water during dry spells; otherwise, lilacs are low-maintenance
Spacing:
• Space plants 3–5 feet (1–1.5 meters) apart if growing as a hedge or in the landscape
Growing Tips:
• Produces fragrant pink to lavender blooms in late spring to early summer
• Compact and ideal for small gardens or container growing
• Attracts butterflies and pollinators
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage blooms
• Hardy in USDA Zones 3–7