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.
Care
Step 1
Fill a clean vase with lukewarm water for your freshly cut tulips.
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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.
Straightening 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.