How To Revive Wilted Tulips

Nothing says spring like a bouquet of freshly cut tulips, but it is discouraging to wake up the next day to a vase of wilted tulips. The common myths — that tulips do not endure as cut flowers and that wilting is natural — are not true; if properly cared for, fresh tulips can last for 7 to 10 days. It's possible to revive wilting tulips, but it is best to prevent the wilting in the first place.

Step 1

Fill a clean vase with lukewarm water for your freshly cut tulips.

Step 2

Add fresh flower preservative to the water. Mix according to package directions.

Step 3

Cut off about ½ inch from the stems, making diagonal cuts with garden shears. Keep the stems under running water when cutting to keep air from getting into the stems.

Step 4

Remove the lower leaves from the stems by pulling them off gently or clipping with garden shears.

Step 5

Place the cut tulips into the vase of water with the fresh flower preservative.

Step 6

Cut 1 inch from the stems every 3 to 4 days to maintain water flow.

Step 7

Clean the vase and add fresh water when you recut the stems.

Step 1

Wrap tulip stems tightly in a paper, creating a cone around them. The blooms should not extend above the top of the cone.

Step 2

Secure the paper with rubber bands.

Step 3

Immerse the entire stem portion in lukewarm water.

Step 4

Place the tulips under a light.

Step 5

Leave the tulips for 2 hours.

Step 6

Remove the paper and replace the tulips in the vase of clean water.