You’ll find out how to make these popular spring blooms last longer.
Springtime is often associated with tulips, and for good reason. These charming flowers are not only easy to take care of, but they come in a wide array of hues. Tulips are a fantastic addition to any garden, adding a pop of color to borders and containers. When arranged in a vase, they have the ability to brighten up any space.
The colors of tulip blooms are as diverse as their shapes. These famous Dutch flowers come in a variety of styles, including those with a single or double row of petals, fringed petals, serrated parrot tulips, as well as lily, peony, and French tulips. With so many choices available, the possibilities are truly endless.
Cut flower tulips
When it comes to cut tulips, their lifespan usually ranges from five to twelve days. However, they tend to consume a significant amount of water, so it’s crucial to frequently refill the vase with water. Caroline, the lead florist at Bloom & Wild, has shared some helpful tips on how to extend the longevity of your tulips. Additionally, she provides solutions for common flower care issues.
How to avoid drooping tulips
Follow these simple steps…
1. Trim your tulips
To allow water to hydrate the tulips properly, it’s recommended to trim 3-5cm off the stems. When cutting, be sure to angle the scissors at 45 degrees. This will create a larger surface area for the flowers to drink from, enabling them to stay hydrated for longer periods.
2. Pop them in water ASAP
Similar to other flowers, tulips rely on water to support their stems. It’s best to place them in water as soon as possible to aid in rehydration and blooming.
3. Find their dream home
It’s crucial to keep your tulips away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators, as they can lead to dehydration of the stems. Additionally, avoid placing them near fruit, as it releases gases that can cause the flowers to fade prematurely.
4. Change their water
Tulips are sensitive to dirty water, so it’s important to refresh the vase with clean water every few days. Additionally, it’s recommended to trim the stems by 1cm each time you replace the water to ensure proper hydration.
Why are my tulips floppy?
If your tulips appear droopy upon arrival, don’t worry! They’re not dead, but rather in need of water to support their stems. To revive them, start by trimming the stems and placing them in water. Allow them to sit overnight, and by the next morning, they should have perked up significantly.
Why are my tulips so much shorter than my other stems?
Although tulip stems are naturally shorter than other flowers, they have the ability to continue growing in the vase. Data Scientist Dave conducted an experiment on tulips to demonstrate this. Upon arrival, the tulips he measured had an average stem length of 31cm. After being placed in fresh water with flower food and left for a few days, he removed them from the water on day five and measured them again, one by one. On average, the tulips had grown a significant 17cm longer!
So why do tulips keep growing in water?
Tulips are highly sensitive to sunlight, which causes them to move and reposition themselves. They instinctively turn towards light sources in their surroundings in an effort to attract pollinators. In addition to this, you may notice that they tend to open up during sunny days and close up at night.
Why don’t my tulips stay straight?
As tulips continue to grow in the vase, you may notice that they playfully move around in the water. This is a natural part of their charm and nothing to be concerned about.
But I want my tulips to be straight, what can I do?
If you’re preparing tulips for a special occasion such as a dinner party, and you want them to stand up straight, we have a helpful tip. Take them out of the vase and tightly wrap them in newspaper, forming a cone shape. Place them back in water and keep them in a dark room overnight. By the next morning, when you unwrap them, they should be standing straight and tall. To prevent them from leaning towards the light, remember to rotate the vase occasionally.
Additionally, we suggest using a tall vase to help keep your tulips upright.
Here are the steps to stop tulips from drooping:
- Fill a clean vase with room temperature water.
- Add flower food to the water according to the package instructions.
- Trim the tulip stems at a 45-degree angle, removing about 3-5cm from the bottom.
- Place the tulips in the vase and arrange them as desired.
- Keep the vase away from direct sunlight, radiators, and fruit as they can cause the tulips to fade or dehydrate.
- Refresh the water every few days and trim the stems by 1cm each time to prevent the water from becoming dirty.
- If the tulips still droop, try wrapping them in newspaper in a cone shape and placing them back in water in a dark room overnight.
- Consider using a tall vase to help support the tulip stems.
By following these steps, you can help your tulips stay upright and beautiful for longer.
