How to Take Care of Cut Tulips

Tulips are a beautiful flower that say "spring" like no other flower. Tulips grow in a wider range of colors than most flowers. When cut, they are so pleasant and versatile that they can look at home in a funky tin can or an elegant crystal vase.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove any leaves and foliage from the lower part of the stem that will be underwater when the tulips are placed in the vase.

2. Trim off the lower, white portion of the tulip's stem. Doing so will improve the cut tulip's ability to take up water.

3. Change the water in the vase often, and make sure there is plenty of water. Clean, fresh water is the most important thing you can do to keep cut tulips looking fresh.

4. Hold the cut tulips under water and trim about an inch off the stems every 4 or 5 days. This will ensure that the tulips are taking enough water.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that cut tulips will continue to grow after they've been cut, usually adding at least an additional inch, and sometimes more.
• Cut tulips seem to bend every which way for no apparent reason, and this is what contributes to much of their charm. However, the bending is actually caused by the pull of sunlight on the bloom.
• Never place cut tulips in the same container as daffodils with re-cut stems. The sap from the daffodils can damage or kill the cut tulips.