Tulips are the absolute stars of the spring garden, and let’s be honest, they look just as stunning in a vase on your kitchen table. But if you want those vibrant blooms to last as long as possible, they need a little TLC—and it all starts with proper watering.
Watering Tulip Bulbs and Blooms
When you first tuck your tulip bulbs into the ground or a balcony planter, give them a good initial soak to help them settle in. If they’re in your garden beds, you can usually let nature take its course over the winter. However, if you’re growing them in pots or containers, keep an eye on the soil; you don’t want it to turn bone-dry. Just give them a drink every now and then on days when the ground isn’t frozen.
Once those first green tips peek out in the spring, your tulips will need steady moisture until they’re done blooming. Spring showers usually take care of the garden beds, but container plants need a quick check-in. If the soil feels dry, give them a moderate watering. You’ll know they’ve had enough when the soil stops soaking it up or water starts trickling out of the drainage holes. Once the petals start to fade and the plant begins to wither, you can stop watering—the tulip is just getting ready for its summer nap.
Keeping Cut Tulips Fresh
Nothing says “Spring is here” or “Happy Easter” like a fresh bouquet of tulips. To keep your cut flowers looking perky instead of droopy, follow these simple tips:
- Don’t drown them—they don’t need a deep bath
- Give the stems a fresh trim
- Change the water regularly
- Use flower food if you have it
- Pro tip: Use a glass vase so you can easily keep an eye on the water level
Before you pop them in the vase, you’ll want to trim off those white, woody ends. Then, cut about half an inch off the stem at an angle; this creates more surface area so the flower can drink up. Don’t forget to strip off any lower leaves that would sit below the water line. This gives the bloom more energy and keeps the water cleaner.
Now, place your tulips in the vase. If you have tall varieties that like to lean, you can use decorative branches or sturdy herbs for support. Fill the vase with about 4 inches of water and stir in your flower food. Make sure to swap out the water every two days and trim off any brown bits on the stems. Keeping the water fresh prevents bacteria from moving in, which means your tulips will stay gorgeous for much longer!
