The Gardener's Network
Nav Menu

Holiday Insights







Deck boxes:
All shapes and sizes

Why Lilacs Don't Bloom

We all wait with eager anticipation for about 50 weeks for our Lilacs to bloom. Then, when they fail to bloom, we are devastated. Why, why, why?

You are in very good company. This question is by far, the most frequent Lilac question we are asked each spring.

Here are the most common reasons why Lilacs won't bloom:

  • The buds were inadvertently pruned off last year. The new buds form shortly after the flowers die back. See Pruning Lilacs.

  • The bush is immature. Most varieties need three, and sometimes four years to grow and develop, before they produce their first blooms.

  • Soil imbalance. This is caused by a pH imbalance, too much or too little of certain chemicals. We recommend a soil test through your local Cooperative Extension Service.

  • Improper mix of fertilizers applied. Flowering of both plants and vegetables is encouraged with higher Phosphorus. Sometimes, people use high nitrogen, which will help produce green leaves, while hindering blooming.

  • Insufficient amount of sunlight. Without enough sunlight, the plant often will not bloom. Lilac bushes prefer full sun.

  • Transplant shock. If you transplanted your Lilac bush since the last blooming period, they sometimes will miss a year, as they need time to recover.

  • Dry summer weather can keep buds from properly forming on the bush. If you are experiencing a summer drought, water the bush once a week.

If your lilacs won't bloom, try to determine which of the problems above is the most likely culprit. It may be a combination of a couple of these reasons. Then, correct the problem. Next, year, you should be rewarded!


More Information:

Buy Lilac Bushes a great selection of popular Lilacs

Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to grow".

The  Compact ComposTumbler is the perfect solution for people who want to convert kitchen and yard waste into, rich, organic compost.

Buy a Composter now

More on Composters

Affordable Greenhouses

Shop For:

Gardening:
Annual Seeds
Perennials Seeds
Vegetable Seeds

Heirloom Seeds
Herb Seeds
Organic Seed/Supply

Flower Bulbs
Coldframes
Composters
Fertilizers
Greenhouses
Houseplants
Planters
Raised Beds
Garden Supplies

Yard & Deck:
Grills
Hammocks
Hose Carts/Reels
Outdoor Storage
Solar Lights
Pest Control

Seasonal /Holiday:
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Carving Stuff
Decorations

Foggers, Misters
Gory, Scary Props
House Flags
Jello Molds
Lights
Party Supplies

Costume/Makeup

Other:
Food Processing
Kitchen/Party Supply


| Home | A to Z's of Growing | Flowers | Fruit | Bulbs | Vegetables | Lawncare | Pumpkins | Houseplants |
| Shopping |
Herbs | Organic | Plant Problems | Bushes 'n Shrubs | Trees | 4 the Birds | Garden Recipes | Contact Us |


Copyright 1999 - 2012 © Premier Star Company