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 some of the most common reasons that your blooms didn't happen:

• 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 fun.

• 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.

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