Tulips are a sure sign of spring, and with their vibrant colors and elegant shapes, they make a delightful addition to any setting. But keeping cut tulips fresh and upright can be a challenge, as they tend to droop a few days after being cut.
Here’s how to keep your tulips looking their best for longer with these essential steps and handy tricks.
Steps for Arranging Tulips
Trim the Stems: Before placing tulips in a vase, cut about 1 cm off from the bottom of the stems at an angle using a sharp knife. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption.
Soak Before Setup: Immediately place the stems in a vase filled with fresh, cool water. Allow the tulips to hydrate in a cool area away from sunlight for a couple of hours while still wrapped.
Unwrap and Position: After the tulips have soaked, carefully remove the wrapping and position the vase in your preferred spot. Choose a location away from direct sunlight, drafts, and fresh fruits, as fruits emit ethylene gas that can hasten the wilting process.
Five Tricks to Extend Tulip Freshness
Avoid Scissors: AAlways use a knife instead of scissors to cut tulip stems. Scissors can crush the stems’ vascular systems and hinder water uptake.
Cool with Ice: Add a few ice cubes to the vase water daily. The cool temperature helps slow down the aging process of the tulips.
Nightly Cool Down: Move the tulips to a cooler setting at night if possible. This mimics the natural cool nighttime temperatures and can prolong their life.
Regular Water Changes: Change the water completely every two to three days to prevent bacterial growth, which can block the stems and stop them from absorbing water.
Frequent Stem Trims: Make a fresh cut on the stems once a day to help the tulips continue to draw up water efficiently.
Seasonal Availability
Tulips typically bloom in gardens around April and May, but thanks to global floriculture, you can enjoy fresh tulips from florists as early as November and throughout the winter months until early spring.
