Prevent Tulips From Drooping

Gardening Tip of the Day

Tips on how to prevent tulips from drooping quickly when placed in a vase.

Use a tall vase with a narrow opening. It will help to keep the tulips from drooping.

Another tip to prevent tulips from drooping in a vase is to poke a needle into the stem just below the flower. Pull the needle out. This action releases trapped air in the stem which prevents water from reaching the blooms. Place them in ice water to preserve the tulips for up to 7 days.

Fill the vase 1/3 full. Tulips don’t like deep water.

Of all the possible additives tried for preserving flowers, a sugar solution is a mixture that is most like commercial flower preservatives. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of sugar in a small amount of warm water. Then add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and blend into 4 cups of cold water. The flowers will use the sugar for energy and the vinegar will protect against bacteria.

If setting the vase of tulips on a counter rather than a table, do not place it close to any bowls of ripening fruit. Ripening fruit emits ethylene gas which shortens flower life.

Do not include narcissus or daffodils in the bouquet. They emit alkaloids which are harmful to tulips.

For more tips on preserving flowers in vases see article How to Keep Flowers Fresh Longer.

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