How to Keep Your Cut Tulips Looking Beautiful

Tulips are a timeless favorite, loved for their elegant shape and vibrant colors. When cut and placed in a vase, tulips can bring the beauty of spring right into your home. However, they are known for their sensitivity and can fade quickly without the proper care. Fortunately, with a few easy steps, you can help keep your cut tulips looking beautiful. At House Flowers, our local florists are happy to answer any of your questions about how to help your bouquets maintain their freshness for as long as possible. Here are five tips for getting the most from your tulip arrangements.

Choose Fresh Tulips
When selecting tulips for your vase, choose ones that are still closed or only slightly open. Tulips continue to grow and bloom even after being cut, so starting with younger flowers ensures you will enjoy the full life cycle indoors. Look for stems that feel firm and petals that show rich, vibrant color without any signs of wilting.

Support Their Growth with a Tall Vase
Tulips are unique among cut flowers because they continue to grow even after they have been placed in a vase. A tall vase provides extra support as the stems lengthen, preventing them from drooping too much. Make sure the vase is tall enough to hold the tulips upright while still allowing the blooms to open naturally. The right vase can help maintain the graceful look of your arrangement. If things are getting too wild, just pull the stems out and trim them back down!

Trim the Stems Properly
Before placing tulips in a vase, always give the stems a fresh trim. Cut about half an inch to an inch off the bottom at a slight angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block water uptake. It’s best to use a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors to avoid crushing the stems.

Use Cold Water and Change It Regularly
Tulips thrive best in cold water. Fill the vase with fresh, cold water before arranging your tulips. To keep them looking their best, change the water every day or at least every other day. Each time you change the water, rinse the stems and give them another slight trim. Clean, cold water helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the tulips standing tall and fresh.

Keep Them Away from Heat and Fruit
Tulips are sensitive to heat, so keep your vase in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, heaters, or appliances that generate warmth. Also, avoid placing tulips near ripening fruit, as fruit releases ethylene gas that can cause flowers to age more quickly. A cool, shaded location will help preserve the tulips' freshness and allow you to enjoy their beauty for several extra days.

Locally-Grown Flower Arrangements in Shelton, WA

For fresh flowers in Shelton, WA and the surrounding area, visit House Flowers at 211 W. Cota St. Our nearby florist shop is stocked with locally-grown flowers. We also specialize in wedding and event florist services in Shelton and Olympia, WA. To make an inquiry, give us a call at (360) 358-2461 or fill out our online contact form!