How to Keep Cut Tulips Fresh
- 1). Choose buds that are nearly closed when you purchase or harvest tulips. Make a slanted cut to aid water absorption in the stem.
- 2). Remove with a pair of bypass shears any foliage that will be under water in the vase. Also, remove any white portions of the stem.
- 3). Place tulips in a vase full of 100-degree water mixed with flower preservative. If you do not have any flower preservative on hand, use a teaspoon of sugar. Arrange flowers and place in the refrigerator for three hours.
- 4). Set tulips in a cool dry place in your house that is far from air conditioners or heat drafts. Avoid placing the flowers in direct sunlight.
- 5). Trim the bottom of the stems every four to five days under lukewarm water to help them continue to absorb water. Place back in vase without drying off stems.
