With their exotic and varied flowers, Tulips have always been a favorite choice in the fresh-cut flower market due to their vibrant colors and graceful appearance.
However, maximizing their vase life requires proper care and attention to detail. Follow the methods below to ensure your tulips stay fresh and beautiful for as long as possible.
The best time to pick and cut tulips varies by variety. Generally, they should be cut when approximately half of the flower is colored. Once harvested, handling them with care is crucial to preserve their freshness.
Immediately after cutting, place the tulips in an environment with a temperature of around two °C and a relative humidity of at least 85%. These conditions mimic their natural habitat, helping slow aging and prolong their vase life.
Tulips are known for their relatively short vase life, typically lasting only 3 to 4 days. However, they can be enjoyed for up to 5 to 7 days with proper care. One common misconception is that using a freshness preservative treatment will extend the lifespan of tulips.
However, research shows that freshness preservatives can cause the flower stems to elongate excessively and have little effect on extending vase life. Therefore, avoiding freshness preservation liquid is generally recommended when caring for tulips.
Storage is another critical aspect of tulip care. Tulips can be stored dry (placed horizontally) or wet (placed vertically) at around 2°C. When storing tulips, the flower heads should be tightly wrapped in plastic film to prevent dehydration, but they should not be stored for an extended period.
Some varieties are harvested with bulbs at the green bud stage and can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks at 0°C. Storing cut flowers at 2°C ensures the most extended vase life.
Before arranging tulips in a vase, it's essential to recut the stems at an angle to facilitate water absorption. Insert the cut flowers into a clean water vase, ensuring the stems are submerged at least 15 to 20 cm deep.
Wrapping the flower heads in plastic wrap can help keep them hydrated and firm. Allow the tulips to hydrate at room temperature for a few hours before arranging them in a vase.
When displaying tulip arrangements, choose a calm, windless environment away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as fireplaces. Tulips are phototropic, meaning they grow towards light, so it's crucial to ensure light is evenly distributed indoors to prevent stem bending.
Avoid placing tulips and daffodils in the same container, as daffodils emit a substance that can cause tulips to wilt prematurely.
Lastly, it's essential to handle tulips with care, as they can cause redness and swelling of the skin on the palms of the hands. Avoid squeezing or crushing the petals when handling tulips, as this can shorten their lifespan. Instead, gently support the stems and petals when arranging them in a vase or bouquet.
With proper care and attention, tulips can bring joy and beauty to any space for several days. By following these guidelines for harvesting, storing, and arranging tulips, you can ensure that they remain fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy their elegance and charm to the fullest.
