Tulips: A Flower Lovers Guide to these Regal Beauties

They are all absolute heaven to the senses AND share Persian ancestry.

While the team at Pearsons Florist do have a great eye for interiors and a keen taste for exotic ice-cream flavours (do you blame us?), flowers are our speciality! So allow us to tempt and tantalise with a trip down the Royal Road to Tulip Paradise.

Your journey begins in the Persian & Ottoman Empires where it is believed the Kingdoms’ most captivated poets endowed the Tulip with its name due to its resemblance to a Turban (Tülbend meaning muslin or gauze in Turkish). Illustrations also reveal early fashionistas wearing tulips on their Turbans.

Jump to 16th Century Europe where the tulips made their debut and have been charming the trendsetters on The Continent ever since. With most Tulip species producing a single, goblet shaped flower with 6 waxy petals, some distinctive variations have been spotted on the (cobble stone) streets. Parrot tulips for instance, have broken, serrated, incurved blooms and white lily-flower types have pointed petals that curve outwards. Nowadays, nearly all hybrid Tulip bulbs come from Holland.

Your voyage comes to brief a stop in present day Sydney, where Tulips have found their way into the hearts and homes of flower-lovers all over the city. Around the globe, Tulips are still one of the most popular blooms used by contemporary florists with over 150 species and over 3000 cultivars. The Sydney season is from early Autumn through winter to late Spring (aren't we lucky?).

Caring for Cut Tulips: Tips to Keep Your Blooms Fresh and Vibrant

Tulips are one of the most beautiful and popular flowers to bring into your home. Whether you’ve just picked them from your garden, bought them from the store or had them delivered to you as a gift, you want to make sure they last as long as possible and continue looking fresh. Here’s a guide to help you care for cut tulips and extend the life of their vibrant blooms.


1. Choosing Fresh Tulips

The first step in making sure your tulips last is starting with the freshest blooms. When purchasing or picking tulips:
• Look for tight buds: Choose tulips with closed or slightly open buds, as these will last longer and open up beautifully.
• Avoid wilting flowers: Steer clear of tulips with brown or yellowing edges on the petals, as they’re already past their prime.
• Sturdy stems: The stems should be firm and green, not limp or discolored.

2. Preparing the Stems

Once you’ve got your fresh tulips, the next step is to properly prepare them for the vase.
• Cut the Stems: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This helps the flowers absorb water more effectively. Cut the stems under running water if possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem.
• Remove Leaves: Strip off any leaves that would be submerged in water, as they can promote mold or bacterial growth.
• Trim Regularly: To ensure fresh water uptake, trim the stems every couple of days—about an inch off the bottom—since tulip stems can seal over and block water absorption.


3. Water and Vase Setup

Tulips are thirsty flowers, so setting up the right vase environment is crucial.
• Use Clean Water: Fill a vase with fresh, lukewarm water (cold water can shock the flowers, while hot water can damage the stems).
• Change Water Regularly: Change the water in the vase every 1-2 days to keep the tulips hydrated and free from bacteria. If you see any slimy buildup on the stems or water, it’s time to change it.

4. Choosing the Right Vase

Tulips have a unique characteristic: they continue to grow after being cut, and they will often bend toward the light. Here’s how to work with that:
• Choose a Tall Vase: A tall, narrow vase works best for tulips, as it will support their upright position and help prevent them from drooping.
• Avoid Too Much Water: While tulips need water, they don’t like their stems to be submerged too much. About 4-5 inches of water is sufficient for most tulip stems.

5. Keep Tulips in a Cool Spot

Tulips prefer cool temperatures and will last longer if kept away from heat sources. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
• Avoid Sunlight: Place your tulips in a location with indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can cause the blooms to wilt and fade faster.
• Stay Away from Heat: Keep the flowers away from radiators, heating vents, or other sources of heat, as warmth speeds up wilting.
• Cool Room: A temperature range of 18-21°C is ideal for keeping tulips fresh.

6. Stabilizing Tulips

As tulips continue to grow in the vase, they may begin to lean or bend toward the light. If you want to keep them more upright:
• Rotate the Vase: Turn the vase slightly every day to encourage even growth and prevent the tulips from leaning in one direction.
• Use Floral Tape: If your tulips are particularly top-heavy, you can use floral tape to create a grid over the vase opening, providing additional support to keep the stems in place.

7. Dealing with Wilting or Drooping

Even with the best care, tulips eventually begin to wilt. However, there are a few tricks to prolong their life:
• Recut the Stems: If your tulips are wilting or drooping, trim the stems again at an angle to help them take in fresh water.
• Cool Water Soak: If the tulips are looking droopy, place them in a sink of cool water for a few hours to rehydrate them. This can sometimes help revive them temporarily.

8. Tulip Petal Loss

Tulips naturally shed their petals as they reach the end of their bloom cycle. If you want to keep them looking fresh for as long as possible, you can gently remove the petals that have fallen off and trim any brown or wilting edges.

9. When to Say Goodbye

Tulips typically last between 5-7 days in a vase, though with the right care, some may last longer. Once they’ve completely drooped or their petals have fallen, it’s time to part with them. However, don’t throw them away immediately—consider composting them to give back to your garden!

Conclusion

With the right care, your cut tulips can brighten your home for several days and provide stunning, colorful displays. By following these simple tips—keeping the stems fresh, maintaining clean water, and avoiding direct heat—you can enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.