How to transplant lilacs and when to do it

When to transplant lilac

There are three best options. Transplanting can be done in early spring, when the soil thaws. At the same time, it is important to have time to carry out the procedure while the buds on the lilac are still sleeping and have not begun to swell.

You can also transplant the plant in the summer when it finishes flowering. This usually happens in the second half of June - early July.

You can also deal with lilacs towards the end of the season, when the bush begins to gradually enter a dormant period and prepare for winter. Approximate dates are from September to mid-October. Although in the southern regions they can stretch until November. The main thing is to cope with the transplant 2-3 weeks before the arrival of stable frosts, so that the plant has time to take root in a new place.

How to choose a place for a lilac transplant

The new location should be in a well-lit area. In the shade, lilac bloom will be sparse. Plan ahead

site and make sure that in the future there will be no other plants or buildings near the bush that can create shade. It is also important that moisture does not stagnate in the soil after heavy rains or snow melt.

How to dig up a lilac for transplanting

In order for the lilac to take root better in a new place and experience as little stress as possible during transplantation, you need to dig it out along with a clod of earth.

Using a shovel, make a trench around the bush with a depth of 40 to 70 cm (the older the plant, the deeper). You need to focus on the diameter of the lilac crown.

If large roots remain outside the earthy coma, cut them off with a sharp pruner.

Then dig an earthen lump from below with a shovel from all sides until you can extract the bush.

How to transplant lilac

Dig a planting hole, the depth and diameter of which will be 10-20 cm larger than the size of the root system of the bush. At the bottom of the pit, pour 2–2.5 liters of rotted manure or compost and the same amount of sand.

Place the lilac in the planting hole so that the top of the earthen clod is approximately flush with the ground surface. Although it's okay if the bush is a couple of centimeters higher - some time after the transplant, the soil will settle.

Abundantly moisturize groove around the earthen clod and wait until the water soaks into the soil.

Fill all the voids around the roots with soil, carefully compacting it. Pour about 10-20 liters of water under the bush and wait until it is absorbed.

Then pour 2 liters of rotted manure or compost around the plant and spread it evenly over the diameter of the planting hole. From above, mulch the trunk circle with dry peat, sawdust or tree bark.

How to care for lilacs after transplantation

All care for the plant comes down to regular weeding of the near-stem circle from weeds and occasional watering. They need to be carried out if the weather is dry. It is enough to moisten the bush once a week, pouring 10-20 liters of water under the root. With the onset of autumn frosts, watering should be stopped.