Culture of Lilacs 



The lilac is one of those generous shrubs which gives much and asks but little 

 in return. Like most everything else, however, it responds greatly to extra 

 care and attention, and a little time and thought well applied will result in 

 shapelier plants, more and larger flowers and cleaner growth. 



Planting. Upon receipt of newly purchased plants from the nursery, unpack 

 carefully, taking care not to break or rub off the buds. If ground is not yet 

 prepared, heel them in (^cover the roots; vrith moist, loose soil. Xever allow 

 the roots to become dry. Ground in which they are to be planted should be 

 prepared to a depth of two to two and one-half feet, and about three feet in 

 diameter. Any good soil is all right ; if a bit sandy, so much the better — but 

 not pure sand. Heavy soils and clay are unfit for lilacs, and should be removed 

 or made over. A mixture of well-rotted manure and soil in the bottom of the 

 hole will be of great benefit in future years. The spot for planting having 

 been properly prepared, fill in with loose soil until the space left will readily 

 accommodate the roots. Spread these out very carefully. doAvnward and out- 

 ward in all directions, filling in about them with fine soil. If quite dry. water 

 well before filling in completely with the >-oil. Tlii^ ^vill help settle the dirt 

 below and around the roots. After the plant has been completely set, pack 

 the surface well with the foot. If rains fail to come within two or three days, 

 water well. Observe the point to which the soil came up on the plant in the 

 nursery, and plant an inch or so deeper. Drainage is an important consider- 

 ation. Lilacs resent wet or poorly drained soil, and will be an utter failure 

 if an attempt is made to grow them in such a situation. Allow plenty of room. 

 If you wish them to attain perfection and symmetry of growth, do not place 

 them where other shrubs or trees crowd them. Xever plant them le>s than six 

 or eight feet apart — ten or twelve would be better. 



Cultivation. This is simple. Planted as outlined above, they will require noth- 

 ing special in the way of cultivation. Always keep the soil loose and free from 

 weeds, being careful in digging around them not to go too deeply, as this 

 might injure the surface feeder roots. ]\Iulch the ground in the fall with 

 pulverized, well-rotted manure, and then dig this in in the spring. Bonemeal 

 worked into the soil will also benefit, but this is slow in action, though safe. 

 Be sure there is moisture present during the dry summer months, as this is 

 the time next year's flowers are forming. During tlip fir>t season or two after 

 planting this is specially essential. 



Pruning. The proper time to prune lilacs is right after they have finished 

 flowering. If pruned in fall or early spring, the flowers for the coming season 

 will be sacrificed, since lilacs bloom on growth of the previous season. Cut 

 out only enough wood to allow free circulation of air and light, and cut back 

 only enough to prevent your plants from becoming "leggy." Always remove 

 old flower clusters as soon as they have faded and withered. This prevents 

 formation of seed, and preserves the sightliness of the bu>h. All undesired 

 suckers which may happen to come up about the base of your plant should 

 be removed. AboA'e all. use diligence in pruning lilacs — they need but little 

 of it. Objectionable suckers sliould be cut oft' with a sharp hoe as they appear 

 out of the ground. 



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