Question
How can I use a lilac shoot to grow a new plant? When is the best time of year to try? We would like to use our Grandma's lilac to make new life in all of the grandchildren's yards.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jodie,
Thanx for your question.  When I grew some lilac from seeds, I started them pressed into the soil of a small pot and lightly covered.  I then sealed the pot in a plastic baggie and placed it inside the fridge from January to April.  In April, I took the pot out and set it under 40watt shop lights in a warm room.  The seedlings germinated sporadically from 2-4 weeks afterwords.  When the seedlings had a couple sets of true leaves, I took the pot outdoors and placed it in the shade of a small tree in the backyard and protected it from direct rain, hail, wind, etc. (after last frost).  After 10 days, I gently pricked the seedlings out and planted them in separate pots where they stayed until August.  In August, I planted the seedlings in full sun.  If you want to use cuttings, take 6 inch long green-wood (soft) cuttings in early summer and strip off all but the last two or three leaves.  Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and stick them in warm, wet sand about 1-2 inches deep.  Keep sealed inside a plastic, clear  bag to keep up the humidity and keep the environment warm.  Rooting usually takes place in about 8 weeks.  You can check periodically by probing gently with a pencil and looking for the white roots.  When there are sufficient roots, gently take the cuttings out of the rooting medium and plant them in separate pots until they have becom established.  Plant them in full sun as long as you have 30-45 days left before the last frost, otherwise, you'll need to overwinter the seedlings indoors in a cold garage or basement (not freezing) until next spring.  I hope this helps.

Tom