A week ago yesterday, I bought these tulips at the outdoor farmers’ market, and enjoyed them for a day. Then we went to Michigan for the weekend, had some amazing adventures there, and by the time we got home Barbara and Krystina had thrown the tulips away. Because by that time they were dead, I am sure.
So it has been, more generally, with our spring. Slow to arrive (and with the temperature today still little better than fifty), the season came and went all too swiftly. The leaves are all out on the trees, the daffodils and tulips are spent, and Memorial Day is upon us–all suggestions that we are on the verge of summer. Yet I wish I could have enjoyed my tulips just a little longer.
marja says
being Dutch I can’t resist 🙂 Tulips generally don’t last very long once cut, but to keep them as long as possible cut them shorter and put them in a bigger vase so they don’t have the chance to ‘hang’, they will grow while in the vase so be bold. Don’t give them too much water in the vase as it will weaken the stems.
Also tricks I’ve heard but never applied myself to tulips, put a few cents in the water to keep them longer, and, if they do start to grow and hang too much, roll them somewhat tightly in a newspaper overnight and put the bundle in the vase… (only works when the flowers are still somewhat firm)
Celia says
Marja–this is amazing. thank you so much for writing in! This is about 400% more than I have ever known about tulip care. I love cut flowers and I have noticed that my tulip bouquets don’t fare very well. Now I know why!
I particularly like the tip about the pennies.
Thanks again,
Celia
Chas Spain says
Isn’t it true that spring is so anticipated and yet can only briefly be enjoyed. A friend from college gave me the most beautiful bouquet of tulips when I graduated and I can still see them – they were orange with a shot of verdigris – really beautiful flowers and so kindly given.
Celia says
It’s so true. Thank goodness for memories like the one you describe.
Harley says
Tulips are such a happy flower! I always enjoy seeing them on display at flower shops and grocery stores. Those tulips you photographed look particularly healthy—of note were the red ones.
Celia says
I guess they were “emperor” tulips–certainly, they were very impressive. I love tulips, too. My parents grew many kinds in their garden when I was growing up, including the parrot varieties. It seems a real luxury to buy a mixed bouquet.