How Do You Keep Tulips From Drooping in a Vase?

Trim half an inch to an inch off the stems, wrap the bunch snugly in paper and stand it upright in clean, cold water for at least 30 minutes before you arrange it. University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension explains why the upright step matters: "tulip stems will assume whatever shape the stems are in during the rehydration process." A bunch left to drink while leaning over the edge of a bucket will set in that curve.

Tulips also keep growing after they are cut. A Michigan State University study of 77 tulip cultivars by Benschop and De Hertogh, archived by North Carolina State Extension, found that "all tulips continue to elongate after cutting," and that on average 52 percent of that stem growth happened in the last section of stem, just below the flower.

The petals grew too, about 2 centimeters, with the fastest growth in the first 24 hours. At 74°F, the temperature the researchers chose to match centrally heated homes, most tulips lasted about 5 days. This guide covers why tulips droop, how to keep them straight, which flowers not to mix them with, how long they last and what their colors mean.

Why do tulips droop in a vase?

Several things combine to bend a tulip.

The stems set while they drink. UMass Extension says tulip stems take on whatever shape they hold during rehydration.

The stems keep growing. The Michigan State researchers found that every cultivar they tested elongated after cutting, mostly in the stretch of stem right under the bloom. They proposed less than 5 centimeters of stem growth as a goal for breeders, to reduce stem bending.

They are thirsty. The study found that cut tulips take up an "extremely great" volume of water, with the fastest uptake in the first hour.

Warm rooms shorten their life. The study cites earlier Dutch research showing that tulip vase life increases as temperature decreases.

The wrong vase mates. UMass warns that fresh-cut daffodil sap is toxic to tulips during the first 24 hours.

How do you keep tulips standing straight?

Start with UMass Extension's rehydration method, then follow a basic vase routine.

Trim the stems. Take half an inch to an inch off each one.

Wrap the bunch snugly. Wrap it in paper so the stems are held straight. UMass recommends tight wrapping during rehydration to prevent wavy stems.

Stand the wrapped bunch upright. Leave it in clean, cold water for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare a clean vase. Penn State Extension recommends washing it with hot, soapy water and disinfecting it with 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

Add flower food. Mix it as directed on the packet. Penn State says it works better than any homemade mixture.

Unwrap and arrange. Strip any leaves that would sit below the water line as the stems go in.

Top up the water daily. Tulips drink heavily, and Penn State recommends checking the water every day and changing it every few days.

Keep the vase cool. Set it away from sun, heat vents and appliances.

Because tulip stems keep lengthening after cutting, you can trim them a little shorter than the height you want.

Why do tulips keep growing after they are cut?

It is part of how tulips develop. The Michigan State study measured stem and petal growth after cutting in 77 cultivars and found that all of them elongated, though the amount varied by variety. The researchers noted that they did not know whether the growth came from cells stretching or dividing.

For flower lovers, some of that growth is welcome. The study called the continued growth of the petals "a highly desirable trait," since the flowers enlarge as they open. The stem growth is the trait the researchers wanted bred out, because it leads to stem bending.

Can you put tulips in a vase with daffodils?

Not at first. UMass Amherst Extension warns that "you must never place other fresh cut flowers, especially tulips, in the same bucket as narcissus during the first 24 hours," because experiments have shown that the sap from cut narcissus is toxic to tulips and significantly reduces their vase life.

After that 24-hour period, UMass says daffodils can be used in a bouquet. Give fresh-cut daffodils their own bucket of water for a day, then combine them with tulips.

How long do cut tulips last?

About five days in a warm room, and longer in a cool one.

The Michigan State study found:

• Most tulips: about 5 days at 74°F.

• Darwin hybrid tulips: only 3 to 4 days on average.

• The longest-lasting cultivars: more than 6 days.

• Cup-shaped tulips: tended to last longer than semi-cup or open-flowered types.

Color affects how they age as well. The researchers observed that strongly pigmented tulips, such as reds, roses and lavenders, discolored markedly as they aged, while yellows and whites did not.

To get the most days, keep the vase in the coolest spot in the room, and move it somewhere cooler overnight. Penn State Extension notes that refrigerating cut flowers overnight helps them last longer.

How do you revive drooping tulips?

Repeat the rehydration step. Take the tulips out of the vase, trim the stems, wrap the bunch snugly in paper so the stems are held straight, and stand it upright in cold water.

Since UMass says tulip stems take on the shape they hold while rehydrating, giving them a straight drink is how to help them straighten.

What do tulip colors mean?

The sources disagree on yellow:

• Red tulip: Kate Greenaway's 1884 Language of Flowers gives "Declaration of love," and Iowa State University Extension's list gives "Believe me, declaration of love."

• Yellow tulip: Greenaway gives "Hopeless love," but Iowa State's modern list gives "There's sunshine in your smile."

• Variegated tulip: Iowa State gives "Beautiful eyes."

• Tulips in general: Iowa State gives "Perfect lover, fame."

For a Valentine's Day alternative to roses, see the guide on where to buy Valentine's Day flowers in Pittsburgh.

FAQ

Are tulips toxic to cats?

Yes. The ASPCA lists tulip as toxic to cats and dogs. See the guide to flowers that are safe for cats for alternatives.

Should you use cold or warm water for tulips?

Cold. UMass Extension recommends placing tulips upright in clean, cold water to rehydrate.

Should you add sugar to the vase?

Use the flower food packet instead. Penn State Extension says commercial flower food works better than any homemade mixture.

Why are my tulips opening so wide?

The petals keep growing after cutting, and the flowers open wider as they age. The Michigan State researchers treated excessive flaring of the petals as one of the signs that a tulip's vase life was ending.

Why do my tulips need so much water?

Cut tulips absorb a large volume of water, according to the Michigan State study. Check the vase daily and top it up.

Do tulips last longer in the fridge?

Cool temperatures extend tulip vase life, according to the Dutch research the Michigan State study cites, and Penn State says overnight refrigeration helps cut flowers last.

Spring Tulips From Roots to Petals in Oakmont

Roots to Petals is an independent, woman-owned florist and plant studio at 527 Allegheny Avenue in Oakmont. In spring, the shop has offered a Large Local Tulip Bunch of twenty assorted specialty local tulips, hand wrapped and tied. Check the tulip collection when the season opens. Its garden-style bouquets and arrangements use locally grown specialty flowers whenever possible, and custom requests can be made by phone. For more care tips, see the guide on how to make cut flowers last longer.

Visit Roots to Petals or call 412-822-6023 today. Contact us for more information.