Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) seeds

Very well known and much loved shrub or small tree famous for its lovely, powerful fragrance. Flowers in late spring producing a mass of beautiful spires of small, tubular, purple flowers and may occasionally produce pink or white flowers. Perfect for cut flower arrangements along with the deep green, heart shaped foliage. Attractive to wildlife, bees and butterflies and a favourite nesting tree for small birds. Requires little care and can be pruned after flowering to any shape; bush, tree, hedge or even as a Bonsai. Prefers full sun in reasonably fertile soil. Dislikes very acid soil.

Hardy Shrub/Tree
Flowers: Late spring
Height: 4-5m, Spread: 1-2m
Position: Full sun in any reasonable soil except very acidic

Packet of 30 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year in a moist, free-draining seed compost in pots or trays and very lightly cover with sieved compost or vermiculite/perlite. Seal in a polythene bag and place in the fridge or other cold place between 2-5C for 3 weeks. Then move to a propagator or warm place and maintain an optimum temperature of 18-21C. Germination should occur after 14-60 days. As the seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents. Note: as germination can be erratic, sow very thinly and prick out the seedlings as they grow large enough, disturbing the rest of the compost as little as possible.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 9cm pots. Grow on in cooler conditions (about 13-15C) with plenty of light, but shaded from direct sun and over-winter in a frost-free greenhouse or coldframe. When established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and grow on until mature enough to be planted out in the garden in a sunny position.