How to Make Tulip Bouquets Last Longer, According to Floral Designers

Clean the Stems

"I always recommend giving tulip stems a fresh diagonal cut before arranging them,” shares Althea Wiles, founder of Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio in the Ozark Mountains. “This removes any bacteria that may have formed at the stem end and creates more surface area for water uptake, which is crucial for these thirsty blooms to remain perky and vibrant.”

Remove the Greenery

Cut tulips do their best when their greenery has been gently removed, according to florist designer Cindy Ollig. “Pull all of the green leaves off, save one at the closest to the bloom,” she says. "Tulips grow after they have been cut, so expect them to change direction and height in your vase as the days go by." Lose the weight of the extra leaves and your tulips can look perkier for longer.

Avoid Direct Sun and Heat

Take care where you place your tulip bouquet. "Tulips are phototropic, meaning they follow the light,” says Wiles. “While this creates a naturally evolving arrangement that gives you a new look each day, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heating vents prevents them from maturing too quickly and extends their vase life."

Remember: Less Is More

Don't let your bouquet go thirsty—but less is more when it comes to cut tulips and water. “Tulips' soft stems are water sensitive and they tend to go mushy quicker with too much water,” explains Mary McCorkle, floral designer and owner of Studio Brambles. “When filling your vase for your tulip arrangement, less than full is actually plenty of water.”

Fresh, Cold Water Only, Please

Sure, it's a bit more effort, but changing your bouquet's water daily is worth it. "Tulips are particularly sensitive to bacteria in the vase water, so I tell my clients to change the water every day or two," says Wiles. "This simple step can add several days to your arrangement's life and keeps the water from developing that unpleasant cloudy appearance and smell."

Choose Companion Flowers Carefully

Choose your tulips' vase mates carefully. “Avoid combining tulips in an arrangement with another spring showstopper—the daffodil,” advises McCorkle. “Daffodils tend to produce a sap that may affect the tulips' ability to absorb water.”

Ollig suggests pairing tulips with long-stemmed chamomile or feverfew to complement the tulips' saturated hues. "Chamomile or feverfew look like tiny white and yellow daisies, usually sporting six to 10 blooms on a single stem,” she explains. "Cutting them slightly shorter than your tulips and placing them in your vase first allows the tulips to burst through the base of the chamomile in a fresh, cheerful way."

That said, Wiles adds there's something truly special about tulips arranged by themselves. "They continue to grow toward light sources after being cut," she says, "creating an ever-changing display that has its own unique charm and simplicity."

Use the Pin-Prick Trick

Need your blooms to last through the weekend? This simple trick will extend their lifespan by a couple days. "Take a pin or sewing needle and pierce the stem about a half an inch from the base of the bloom, going at least halfway through," instructs Ollig. "This should allow the petals to retain their color one to two days longer."

Invest in a Tulip Vase

For a perfectly arranged tulip bouquet (that stays that way), consider investing in a tulipiere vase. Also known as tulip bowls or holders, these ceramic or porcelain vessels tote several spouts to hold individual tulips. Martha herself is a fan, and you can try keeping an eye out for one the next time you visit your favorite thrift store.