How to Care for Cut Tulips: Tips from Green Willow Gardens

Tulips are one of the easiest and most rewarding spring flowers to grow and enjoy as cut flowers. With their graceful stems and vibrant colors, they brighten up any space, whether arranged in a vase or part of a bouquet. At Green Willow Gardens, we grow a variety of specialty tulips that are perfect for floral arrangements, and we want to share our best tips for keeping them fresh and long-lasting after they’re cut.

1. Harvesting at the Right Stage

If you're cutting tulips from your own garden or farm, timing matters!

• For longest vase life: Harvest when the buds are just starting to show color but are still closed.

• For immediate enjoyment: If you want fully opened blooms right away, cut when the petals begin to loosen but before they flare out completely.

Did you know? Unlike most flowers, tulips continue growing after being cut, sometimes by inches! This means your arrangement will keep evolving, giving it a fresh look each day.

2. Conditioning for Maximum Freshness

Once tulips are cut, they need proper hydration to stay crisp and upright.

• Immediately place stems in cool water—they’re thirsty flowers!

• Wrap the bunch in paper and let them hydrate upright in a cool area for a few hours. This helps prevent drooping.

3. Vase Life & Water Tips

Tulips are low-maintenance once conditioned, but a few simple tricks will help them last even longer:

• Use cold, fresh water—change it daily to keep bacteria away.

• Trim stems slightly every day to encourage better water uptake.

• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent wilting.

4. Why Tulips Move in the Vase

One of the most fascinating things about tulips is their ability to move and bend after being cut. Unlike most flowers, tulips continue to grow toward light even in a vase. This natural movement adds a beautiful, organic feel to any arrangement.

If your tulips are flopping, re-wrap them in paper for a few hours while they hydrate. This will help straighten the stems.

5. Enjoying Your Tulips

With proper care, cut tulips can last 7-10 days, bringing a burst of spring into your home. Their ever-changing form and bright hues make them a joy to watch unfold day after day.

At Green Willow Gardens, we specialize in fresh, locally grown tulips that are perfect for floral designers, DIY flower lovers, and anyone who appreciates seasonal beauty.