How Do You Get Roots From a Lilac Branch?

You can get roots from a lilac branch by taking cuttings and encouraging them to root. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Taking Lilac Cuttings

Timing is Key: Take 4 to 6 inch cuttings from new growth just before the leaves reach their full size, typically in late spring or early summer. This is when the plant is actively growing.
Selecting the Right Branch: Choose healthy, disease-free branches.
Making the Cut: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife to make a clean cut just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf grows from the stem).
Preparing the Cutting: Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting when inserted into the rooting medium.

Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end of the lilac cutting into a rooting hormone powder or liquid. Rooting hormones contain auxins, which promote root development, and often include fungicides to prevent rot. You can purchase these at most garden centers.
Planting Medium: Prepare a well-draining rooting medium. A mixture of perlite and peat moss or vermiculite works well.
Planting the Cutting: Insert the cut end of the treated cutting into the rooting medium, burying it deep enough that the lowest node is covered.
Creating a Humid Environment: Cover the pot or tray with a plastic bag or humidity dome to create a humid environment. This helps prevent the cutting from drying out before roots develop.
Location and Care: Place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Keep the rooting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Checking for Roots: After a few weeks, gently tug on the cutting. If you feel resistance, roots have likely formed. You can also carefully remove the cutting from the medium to check root development.

Once roots are established: Transplant the rooted cutting into a pot with well-draining potting soil.
Gradually Acclimate: Gradually acclimate the young plant to outdoor conditions before planting it in its permanent location in the garden.