Learn how to arrange tulips (it’s easier than you might think!). Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most beautiful, and that includes a stunning tulip arrangement.
This easy step by step tutorial will show you how to create a beautiful tulip flower arrangement with grocery store flowers – it’s virtually effortless!
You’ll also learn where to buy tulips, as well as my best tips and tricks for choosing them, getting a longer vase life and designing your arrangement with ease.
Maybe it’s because it’s been cold and gloomy, but I’m ready for a little refresh. It’s time to bring in fresh flowers that just might inspire spring to come.
This time of year, tulips are plentiful in stores, and often inexpensive, too. I take advantage by incorporating them into our home, making it feel fresh and sometimes, colorful.
Don’t Skip These: I love fresh flowers! Don’t miss my guides to Peonies, Ranunculus and more.
Do you have an empty vase tucked away, just waiting for the perfect blooms? Well today’s the day – let’s put it to good use and learn how to arrange tulips!
How to Arrange Tulips
Today, I’m teaching you how to arrange tulips. They’re a favorite of mine for a number of reasons, including that my mom’s garden was full of them, but also because they are foolproof to arrange.
Yes, you read that right! I used to fuss and fight with tulips, frustrated with their leaves and the mess they’d become when I’d attempt to arrange them.
Tulip Arrangement Secrets
Florist Secrets
If you love flowers, don’t skip this incredible guide to more of my favorite floral design secrets. Read more about Where to Buy Flowers and Trader Joe’s Flowers, too.
Where to Buy Tulips
How to Create a Tulip Arrangement
- Choose the freshest tulips you can find. Ideally, when you choose them, they should be mostly closed and the edges of the blossoms should be opaque – not thin or transparent.
- Rinse tulip stems with cold water to remove any dirt that is trapped in the leaves.
- Trim the stems of your tulips 1″ or more using sharp shears. {Note: I tend to leave 6-8″ above the vase for tulip only arrangements} Remember, you can always go shorter, but never longer.
- Remove any excess leaves.
- Fill a vase with cool water.
- Place your tulips in the vase.
Tulip Tips
- Remove any yellowed leaves or lower leaves that will fall below the water line.
- Look for tulips that are tight, but are showing a good amount of color.
- For tulips, packaging matters. Make sure you’re purchasing fresh tulips that are tightly wrapped so as not to allow too much opening before they are arranged.
- Don’t stress about your tulip arrangement! It’s fun, and since they have a mind of their own, they are doing all the work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using sharp shears or a knife to avoid crushing the stem, cut one inch off the stem, remove any excess leaves and replace with water with cool, fresh water. Change the water each day, and keep them away from HVAC vents to avoid blasting air.
Their long stems are soft and weak, therefore can’t support the heavy bud. They also tend to move towards the light.
Embrace this as it’s what makes tulips prettier each day! If your tulip arrangement feels a bit stiff, don’t worry, they’ll start to relax in just a few hours!
Remove any leaves that will be below the water line, as these can create bacteria in the water and shorten the life of your tulips.
The Best Tulip Vases
I like to keep a collection of simple vases stashed away in my kitchen for my fresh tulips. The key is to use a wider opening to allow enough space for the pretty foliage, with a deep enough shape to support the weight of the stems.
In the source section below, I’m linking several of my favorite simple tulip vases. I think you’ll love them as much as I do!
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How to Arrange Tulips (A Printable Tutorial)
Ingredients
- 1-2 bundles of grocery store tulips
- A sturdy vase deep enough to prop the tulip stems
Instructions
- Choose the freshest tulips you can find. Ideally, when you choose them, they should be mostly closed and the edges of the blossoms should be opaque – not thin or transparent.
- Rinse tulip stems with cold water to remove any dirt that is trapped in the leaves.
- Trim the stems of your tulips 1" or more using sharp shears. {Note: I tend to leave 6-8" above the vase for tulip only arrangements} Remember, you can always go shorter, but never longer.
- Remove any excess leaves.
- Fill a vase with cool water.
- Place your tulips in the vase.
Tips
- Remove any yellowed leaves or lower leaves that will fall below the water line.
- Look for tulips that are tight, but are showing a good amount of color.
- For tulips, packaging matters. Make sure you’re purchasing fresh tulips that are tightly wrapped so as not to allow too much opening before they are arranged.
- Don’t stress about your tulip arrangement! It’s fun, and since they have a mind of their own, they are doing all the work for you.
Absolutely love this!!! Did you get your tulips at Trader Joe’s or a florist?  Are they long stems?Â
I always purchase at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, typically the stems are of decent length. Enjoy!
Use 4-7 pennies. Works every time!
IF you keep buying fresh tulips, after about 3 soakings in tulips you will need to replace these pennies and begin with another group of pennies. Don’t know why or how. Don’t ask questions.
Just enjoy!!!!!!!!
Continue to change the water after a few days (using original pennies STILL) and shorten your stems. ENJOY!
PS do not re use pennies in tulips, spend them on more tulips.
Thank you! Always have great tutorials!
Thanks, Odalis! Glad you enjoy them!
If you put a penny in the vase they won’t droop quite as much.Â
I’ve heard that but also read there’s no evidence to support it. Have you tried it?
Great sharing Juile,
Love the awesome idea to arrange Tulips.