How to Cut Lilac Bouquets
- 1). Cut your lilac blooms in the early morning, when the stems are well hydrated, using sharp scissors or pruners. Cut 2 to 3 inches of woody stem with the lilac blossoms. Select blooms that are just beginning to open, which means your cut lilacs will last longer in your bouquet.
- 2). Use a hammer and smash the 2 to 3 inches of the end of the lilac stem. The stems should have a fan-like appearance. By hammering the ends you will open the stems to take in water.
- 3). Place the smashed lilac stems in a container of very hot, almost boiling water. Leave these stems in the water for 12 to 24 hours. Lilacs love very warm water, and it will hydrate the stems, foliage and blossoms completely.
- 4). Remove all foliage that would be submerged in the vase water. Leaves that are left on the stem and submerged will absorb vase water and degrade to create harmful bacteria in the water.
- 5). Mix warm water and floral preservative per directions or equal amounts of warm water and lemon-lime soda with a teaspoon or two of bleach. Use this mixture in the vase for your lilac bouquet. The preservative or lemon-lime soda/beach mixture will provide nutrients to your cut lilacs, keeping the blooms fresh.
- 6). Change the water every two to three days. Keeping the water fresh will keep your flowers fresh.
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