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Learn how to arrange tulips (it’s easier than you think!). This easy step by step tutorial will show you how to create a beautiful tulip arrangement with grocery store flowers – it’s virtually effortless!
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.
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!
Table of Contents
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.
One day, my friend Erin (who inspires a lot of the florals here) told me a secret.
You don’t arrange them. To create a beautiful tulip arrangement, you put tulips in a vase and they will go where they want to. You don’t need a special tulip vase, you just need a simple vessel that will showcase their simplicity!
At first, I was shocked, but I thought about how tulips tend to look more beautiful with every day that passes and I realized what I already knew – she was right. She’s always right. You don’t arrange tulips.
So, what do you do?
Yes, you’ll quite simply place them in a vase. You can see how to make a tulip arrangement in the videos below.
But first, there are a few steps and tips that will help you create a long-lasting tulip arrangement to enjoy in your home, or as a gift to others.
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.
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.
How do you keep tulips from drooping?
Using sharp shears or a knife to avoid crushing the stem, cut 1"+ off the stem, remove any excess leaves and replace with water with cool, fresh water.
Why do tulips droop?
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!
Do you remove the leaves from tulips?
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
Of course you can always buy a stunning, traditional tulipiere- these pottery pieces are such a great way to display individual blooms. No arranging required at all!
However, in the interest of simplicity and time-saving reality, I like to keep a collection of simple vases stashed away in my kitchen for my fresh tulips.
Grabbing a bundle or two at the grocery store is my weekly treat, and I love having flexible vases that will showcase my tulips beautifully! The key is to use a wide enough opening, with a deep enough shape to support the weight of the stems.
A few options you might enjoy:
- This simple cylinder
- A 10" cylinder to showcase 2 or more bunches
- This footed vase
More Floral Tutorials
- Mother’s Day Centerpiece
- Wildflower arrangement
- Christmas arrangements
- Eucalyptus
- 12 Simple Flower Arrangements
- Learn all about Stock Flowers
- Woodland Flowers
- Simple centerpiece of roses, peonies, herbs
- Carnations (Dianthus Caryophyllus)
- Pink Tulips and Roses
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
How to Arrange Tulips
Learn how to arrange tulips (it's easier than you think!). This easy step by step tutorial will show you how to create a beautiful tulip arrangement with grocery store flowers - it's virtually effortless!
Supplies
- 1-2 bundles of grocery store tulips
- A sturdy vase deep enough to prop the tulip stems
Equipment
- Sharp scissors or floral clippers
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
One you've added your tulips to the vase, you can adjust as needed. However, it's very likely that they will just follow the light source in your room. They have a mind of their own, so enjoy them as they are!
Beth says
Absolutely love this!!! Did you get your tulips at Trader Joe’s or a florist? Are they long stems?
Julie says
I always purchase at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, typically the stems are of decent length. Enjoy!
Nan, Odessa, DE says
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.
Odalis says
Thank you! Always have great tutorials!
Julie says
Thanks, Odalis! Glad you enjoy them!
Julia says
If you put a penny in the vase they won’t droop quite as much.
Julie says
I’ve heard that but also read there’s no evidence to support it. Have you tried it?
William says
Great sharing Juile,
Love the awesome idea to arrange Tulips.