Aren't they pretty!!??
On a whim, I stopped by Terri's Eustis Flower Shop last week and picked up this gorgeous fresh bunch of tulips. While there, I learned a couple of things about tulips (+ flowers) I never knew.
I was amazed at this first gem of information...
and I think you will be too!
Tulips are the only flower that continues to grow after being cut.
After a tulip has been cut it will continue to grow up to an inch or so - as long as they are placed in a vase of water.
Am I the only one that didn't know that? Wow!! I think that's so cool.
The best way to trim flower stems is with a knife.
Using a sharp knife instead of a pair of scissors allows the stems to take in more water since shears will actually pinch and flatten the ends. I've always heard to cut them at an angle as well but the florist said that doesn't really matter. There was also no mention of trimming them under running water either - which I have always done after reading about how it helps to prevent air from entering the stems before it's able to soak in some water.
Tulips will last longer by putting them in the fridge every night.
By putting your vase of tulips in the refrigerator overnight, you are simulating the cold temperatures they usually experience in the ground in their natural environment. That totally makes sense and yet I never thought of that before!!
Here are some more "TULIP SECRETS" I found searching the web...
1. For long-lasting tulips, buy the ones with very "tight" or unopened blooms. makes sense
2. Tulips work best in tall vases - to help keep the blooms from drooping over. very true
3. Don't mix tulips with cut daffodils because of a sappy substance from the daffodils - it clogs the stems of other flowers. wasn't going to do that anyway but just in case you are thinking of doing that.
4. Keep out of direct sunlight, away from vents and drafts. yep, that makes complete sense.
5. Tulips are "phototropic", meaning they bend towards the sunlight, like sunflowers. Therefore rotate vase/container to help keep stems straight. again, makes sense
Two conflicting opinions on water temperature:
One suggestion was to use lukewarm water.
The other suggestion was to use ice cold (including adding ice chips) to simulate the cold weather tulips thrive in.
I also found something that said lukewarm water is best for all flowers EXCEPT bulb flowers which would include hyacinths, daffodils and TULIPS!!
Let me know which water temperature method(s) you have tried and have found to work best for you...I'd love to know.
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Here's another bunch of grocery store tulips I bought a few weeks ago...
There's nothing that says Spring like a pretty arrangement of tulips...don't you think? Oh and the bright yellow lemons help add a pop of color too! *wink*
As much as I love tulips, my favorite flowers are ranunculus.
The florist said to just let her know when I'd like some and she'll place a special order for me since they don't keep them at the shop on a regular basis.
I would actually love to grow some of my own.
I'm dreaming of fresh clippings for around the house.
I've only googled the idea once and from what I've read it looks doable here in Florida.
KEEPiNG iT REAL
The tulips I purchase from the grocery store are usually about $7 for a bunch and they typically last for a week. I originally thought by paying a little over double the price ($16) at the florist that the tulips would last twice as long. Yes...I'm that naive and I was sadly mistaken - even after being diligent with refreshing water daily and putting them in the refrigerator. In fact, I didn't do any of those things with the pink grocery store tulips (shown above) and they lasted another day longer than the florist-bought. Now excuse me while I head out to the grocery store for a fresh bundle today! *wink*
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