A Melbourne Florist's Guide to Nurturing Your Locally Grown Tulips at Home

Tulips have long been celebrated for their delicate beauty and vibrant colours, which symbolise love, elegance, and rebirth. Whether you’re sending them as a gift in Melbourne for Valentine’s Day, as birthday flowers, or just to brighten someone’s day, tulips always make a statement. With the ease of tulip delivery, these stunning flowers can be a simple phone call or a few clicks away, arriving fresh and ready to add a splash of colour to any home or office.

Understanding the Magic of Tulips

The magic of tulips lies in their innate growth pattern. With the right care, they can stretch an extra inch in length and tend to seek out the light, much like sunflowers. This charming behaviour, known as phototropism, further enhances their endearing character. When tulips are delivered fresh from the fields, they carry with them the promise of growth and change. Unlike other cut flowers that remain static, tulips continue to evolve even after they have been cut, providing a dynamic and engaging floral display that can brighten any room.

So, how can we ensure these beauties thrive in our homes after a fresh flower delivery? Let’s dive into some essential tips and tricks to make the most of your locally grown tulips, whether they’re a gift from a loved one or a special treat for yourself.

Preparing Your Tulips for Display

First things first, after receiving your tulips, you’ll want to give the stem ends a good cut before arranging them in a vase. This allows the stems to absorb water more efficiently, thus prolonging their vibrant life. For best results, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This creates a larger surface area for water absorption, helping to keep your tulips looking fresh and beautiful for as long as possible.

When choosing a vase, consider one that is tall enough to support the tulip stems. Tulips tend to grow even after being cut, and a taller vase can help them maintain their elegant, upright position. If you prefer a shorter vase, be prepared for the charming arching of tulips as they stretch and move in response to light and gravity. This natural, organic movement is one of the unique joys of having tulips in your home.

The Importance of Water Temperature and Vase Placement

The temperature of the water and the location of the vase play a crucial role in the behaviour of your tulips. If you wish to enjoy the elegance of your tulips for weeks, use icy cold water and place the vase in a cooler spot in your home. This slows down their metabolic processes, helping them last longer. However, if you want to see your tulips bloom and reveal their stunning colours quickly, opt for a warm, sunny location and use warm water in the vase.

Remember to change the water every two to three days. Fresh, clean water prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause the tulips to deteriorate more quickly. Add a floral preservative to the water to nourish the blooms, or make your own by mixing a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of bleach, and a splash of lemon juice into the vase water. This mixture provides nutrients and keeps bacteria at bay, extending the life of your tulips.

Tips for Keeping Tulips Standing Tall

Over the years, I have seen many customers frown at drooping tulips. While it's a natural occurrence, there are a few florist tricks to keep your tulips standing tall for a longer period. One trick is to prick the top of the stem, where it connects with the bloom, using a clean pin (ideally sterilised over a flame). This small intervention helps your tulips stand up straighter and longer. The pinhole allows air to escape, preventing the flower from bending at the nec, which can be a common issue with tulips.

Additionally, if your tulips have started drooping already, don’t worry! Recut the stems and reintroduce them to cold water. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they perk up, ready to add their charm to your room once again. Make sure to keep your tulips away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can accelerate the wilting process.

Encouraging a Vibrant Display: Colours and Blooms

Tulips come in a wide range of colours, from the purest whites to deep, velvety reds, vibrant yellows, and elegant purples. When planning a tulip delivery, consider the colour palette that will best suit the recipient's tastes and the season. For Valentine's Day, a classic choice might be red or pink tulips, symbolising love and passion. However, white tulips can also make a statement, representing purity and new beginnings, perfect for new relationships or a fresh start.

To create a truly stunning display, mix different colours and varieties of tulips in one arrangement. Combining single-petal varieties with double-petals or parrot tulips adds texture and depth to your bouquet. This diversity not only makes the arrangement visually striking but also adds an element of surprise as different varieties bloom at slightly different rates, offering an evolving display over time.

Caring for Your Tulips After Delivery: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Unpack Immediately: Once your tulips arrive, unpack them carefully to avoid damaging the delicate petals.

2. Trim the Stems: Using a sharp pair of scissors or floral shears, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to allow maximum water absorption.

3. Prepare the Vase: Fill your vase with cold water and add a floral preservative.

4. Arrange Tulips Gently: Place the tulips in the vase, allowing them room to breathe and move as they grow.

5. Maintain and Observe: Keep an eye on your tulips, changing the water every few days and trimming the stems slightly to maintain freshness.

6. Adjust for Drooping: If tulips start to droop, recut the stems, and place them in cold water. For an added boost, consider the pin trick mentioned earlier.

For more tips read my blog Helpful tips for making your tulips last longer. 

Why Choose a Tulip Delivery?

Choosing a tulip delivery, especially when flowers are sourced from local growers, ensures that you receive the freshest blooms possible. Tulips picked and delivered on the same day retain their vibrancy and continue to grow and bloom longer than those that have spent days in transit. Local delivery also reduces the carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly option for flower lovers.

For Melbourne residents, opting for a tulip delivery sourced from the fields of Monbulk means supporting local businesses and enjoying a quality of flowers that is hard to match. Monbulk's tulips are cultivated in ideal conditions, resulting in flowers that are larger, more colourful, and longer-lasting than many imported varieties. This makes them an excellent choice for those who appreciate quality and wish to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion with the best blooms available.

Conclusion: The Art of Tulip Care and Delivery

In essence, caring for tulips is an art—an expression of love and respect for nature’s beautiful creations. Whether you wish to slow their bloom or encourage a quick reveal of their brilliant colours, remember that each tulip, just like us, reacts to its surroundings. A touch of care can make tulips shine in all their glory, and of course, brighten your home with their everlasting charm.

Kate x