Tulip flowers are one of those nearly universal signs of spring that gardeners and flower lovers look forward to year after year. And while tulips don't have the longest-lasting blooms, they definitely provide plenty of color and beauty during that time.
How Long Do Tulips Last in the Garden?
In an outdoor setting, a large part of how long tulips last has to do with the weather. Tulips generally bloom for one to two weeks in the garden, but the temperature plays a large part in how long you can expect the blooms to last.
Tulip blooms last longest when they're blooming during temperatures of 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and at those temperatures, you might get a solid week or two of blooms. But, if it gets warmer, into the upper 60s especially, the bloom time will be reduced to only a few days before the flowers fade. There's not really anything you can do to prevent this, so it's best to enjoy the flowers as much as you can while they're in full bloom and keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't get too warm too quickly.
To get a prolonged bloom season, it's a good idea to plant several types of tulips, making sure you have early, mid-season, and late-blooming varieties.
How Long Do Tulips Last in a Vase?
Tulips in a vase usually last for about five days. There are a few things you can do to get as much time as possible out of them.
- Keep the vase full of cool water. It's a good idea to check the water daily and add fresh water as needed.
- Keep the vase of tulips in a cool room, or at least a cooler part of your room, away from heating vents and other heat sources.
- Keep the tulips away from bright, sunny spots.
It's also a good idea to trim about a half of an inch off of the end of the stems, giving them a fresh cut before adding the tulips to a vase or arrangement. This will enable them to absorb more water since the cut ends of the stems can sometimes dry up and callous over, inhibiting how much water they can take up while in a vase.
Make the Most of Tulip Flowers
Gardening is a hobby that is even more enjoyable because it somewhat forces you to stay in the moment. In the case of flowers such as tulips, which gardeners prepare for the previous year, planting bulbs at the right depth, in hopes of spring beauty, this is even more evident. Plant tulips where you'll see them often so that you can enjoy them as much as possible while they're in bloom.
