How to Care for Fresh Cut Tulips

Tulips are one of the first flowers of spring. Bringing them into your home, as fresh cut flowers brightens the home's décor, as well as the spirits of those living there. After a long dreary winter, the presence of tulips remind you that sunny weather is about to grace the world, once again. That's why, when the next day you get up to find your beautiful tulips drooping, you wonder what you did wrong. The answer is nothing. Tulips are one of the rare flowers that continue to grow after they are cut. The stems grow up, while the tulips search out the light. There is, however, special care you can take to help your fresh cut tulips last longer.

Things You'll Need

• Tulips Containers Sharp knife Floral preservative Water

Instructions

1. Keep your tulips in water. Whether you take along water and a container to transport your fresh cut tulips after your purchase, or you ask for a water container at the florist or flower center, it's best to keep them hydrated. A plastic bag, with enough water to cover the cut stems and a rubber band to hold it to the bottom of the tulips, is all you need. Just make sure the flowers can be securely placed to stand upright while driving home.

2. Put the fresh cut tulips in a bucket of water or other container. Cut, with a sharp knife, each stem, under water. The tulip's water uptake channel will open, by doing so. Cut them about a half inch from the bottom, at an angle. Let the tulips drink for an hour or two.

3. Cut the tulips once more in the same manner. Leave them in the water while you arrange them in a vase filled with water and a packet of floral preservative, mixed in. Many times flowers come with this preservative. If not, ask for it when you purchase the tulips. It can be purchased in larger quantities from florists or flower centers.

4. Check the water of your fresh cut tulips daily. They drink a lot of water. Letting them go dry is a certain way to have the tulips expire early.

5. Place your tulips in a cool location. Any heat from direct sunlight, appliances, lamps or heaters will shorten the life of your tulips.

Tips & Warnings

• With care your fresh cut tulips should last five to eight days.

References

• My Florist