Expert tips to make your blooms last longer

Spring starts on March 20, which means it’s tulip time. If you’re eager to pick up a bundle of tulips from your local flower shop, Trader Joe’s, or you’re ordering a multi-colored tulip bouquet in advance of Mother’s Day, you’re probably curious about how to make these pretty flowers last as long as possible.

Tulips are known for their “phototropism,” which means they will continue to grow and bend towards the light, even after being cut, explains gardening expert Tony O’Neill of Simplify Gardening. For a natural look, O’Neill recommends using a tall vase to support their stems and prevent drooping, allowing them to follow their natural growth pattern.

Tulips should last between five to 12 days in a vase, if you’re properly caring for them, says O’Neill.

Tulip care goes beyond vase preparation, too—it’s also about where and how you display them in your home. For example, avoid placing your tulips near a fruit bowl with ripening fruits, as the ethylene gas emitted can cause flowers to wilt faster. Additionally, changing the vase’s location daily to balance light exposure can help maintain their structure and color.

Consider pairing tulips with complementary flowers and greenery to enhance their visual appeal.

Flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, or even simple baby’s breath can add texture and fullness to your arrangement, making your tulips stand out even more.

But what else can you do to help your tulips thrive? Does placing a penny in the bottom of the vase really work? How about an Aspirin tablet? Ahead, floral experts share their best tulip 101 tips.

How Do You Choose the Right Tulips?

The first step to get an extended life from your tulips is finding ones that have a long bloom period ahead of them.

“You’ll want to grab the bunch that has stiffer leaves making sure the flowers are tight but that have their color developed,” says Carmela de Castro, owner of Orchid Republic Floral Boutique, a Los Angeles-based florist.

She finds that double tulips tend to last quite a bit longer than regular tulips. Double tulips are ones that have a more fluffy, pom appearance.

When you’re shopping for tulips, O’Neill recommends looking for ones that have stems that are green and firm, which means they’re fresh.

Also, check for any signs of bruising or discoloration on the petals, as these can indicate early signs of wilting. If possible, smell the flowers; a subtle fragrance is a good sign of freshness.

What to Do With Tulips as Soon as You Bring Them Home

Once you’ve hauled home your cut tulips, remove the outer leaves or any leaves that are brown or floppy. Give the stems a good trim of at least 1/2 inch or or more, depending on the vase you’ll be using, de Castro says.

“I like to use a vase that is a bit taller with a smaller opening to provide the tulips with some support as they’ll continue to grow,” she says. “For this reason I like to cut the tulips on the shorter side when first placing them into the vase allowing them to grow into the vase.”

When you’re cutting your tulips, cut the stems diagonally, suggests O’Neill. This increases the surface area for water absorption, he explains. Pro tip: Cut the stems under running water if possible to prevent any air bubbles that can block water absorption.

Make sure that any vase you put your cut tulips in is thoroughly clean to avoid any type of bacterial growth, which could shorten your flowers’ lifespan, O’Neill says. Fresh, cool water works best.

It’s also beneficial to add a floral preservative to the water if available. These preservatives typically contain a mix of sugar for nourishment, acidifiers to maintain the right pH, and biocides to inhibit bacterial growth. If you don’t have a commercial preservative, a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice can serve as a DIY alternative. Or, you can stock up on some flower food packets to have on hand.

Tulips thrive in indirect light and cooler spots away from direct sunlight, heaters, or drafts, and consistent conditions help prolong their freshness, says Juan Palacio, the CEO of BloomsyBox, a floral subscription company.

Unusual Hacks for Making Tulips Last Longer

You may have heard that doing things like adding a splash of Sprite to a vase of water or placing a penny at the bottom of the vase will extend the lives of your tulips. But the experts we consulted say these are mostly just old wives’ tales.

“Sprite, pennies, Aspirin — I find all these methods don’t provide all that much of a benefit,” says de Castro. “In fact, it contributes to dirty or murky water which in turn will contribute to stem rot or mushy stems.”

With that in mind, here’s some of the common hacks for extending tulip’s lives and why they probably don’t work.

Penny in Water:

The idea here is that the copper in the penny acts as a natural fungicide, says O’Neill. “However, most pennies are no longer made from copper, and there’s little scientific evidence to support this practice,” he says.

Aspirin in Water:

Aspirin can lower the pH level of the water, which some believe can help water uptake, O’Neill says.

“While it may have a minor effect on longevity, keeping the water clean and fresh is more effective,” he says.

Sprite to Water:

Adding Sprite or another clear soda is thought to provide sugar as food for the tulips, while the acidity inhibits bacterial growth, O’Neill explains.

“While there’s some truth to this, too much sugar can actually encourage bacterial growth,” he says.

If you do add Sprite, mix it with water in a 1:3 ratio, and still change the water regularly.

Rather, the best thing you can do is provide your tulips with clean, cold water, filled halfway in the vase, de Castro says.

Tulips are heavy drinkers, so you’ll want to refill with clean cold water every couple days. If stems have softened at all, trim off to allow the tulips to take up the water it needs to stay fresher longer.

With these expert tips, you can ensure your tulips brighten up your space for as long as possible, adding a touch of spring beauty to your home.