"Cut the lilac flowers off the plant in early morning or late evening, if possible. Use a sharp, clean knife to make a cut at least a few inches longer than the final stem length desired and just above a leaf, bud or branch junction.
Tip
Consider cutting the stems initially for the tallest vase you have, recutting them a few days later for a shorter vase when you change the water in the vase and even recutting a third time for your shortest vase.
Fill a clean vase or other container with warm tap or distilled water and a floral preservative added according to instructions on the floral preservative label.
Cut any leaves or small stems off the portion of lilac stem to be submerged in water while the stem is still in the pail or bucket of water, so that the cut surface is not exposed to air. Cut the end of each woody stem with an "x" 1 to 4 inches deep so the branch splits, allowing the plant to absorb more water.
Transfer the flowers quickly into the prepared, water-filled container.
Display the cut lilac flowers out of direct sunlight and in a cool, draft-free position, if possible. At night, or when you will not be at home to enjoy the cut flowers, storing them in the refrigerator between 40 and 50 degrees can prolong flower life.
Add water to the container regularly to replace any that evaporates.
Replace the preservative-and-water solution whenever the water in the vase appears cloudy, which indicates bacterial activity. When you replace the water, trim off at least 1/2 inch of stem from the bottom of each flower stem."
Rain barrel or distilled water works best.
I generally use distilled water.
