Tiptoe Through the Tulips with 6 Keep-‘Em-Fresh Secrets

One of the easiest ways to add color to winter’s gloomy days is with a vase or two of fresh-cut tulips. And now is the perfect time to pick up a bouquet at your local grocery store—you can get a beautiful, colorful bunch for not a lot of bucks. Here a few tips that’ll help you get the best out of your blooms:

·        Buy tulips with buds that are still closed, but with a hint of color showing.

·        Snip off the base of the stems before arranging them in a clean vase to help them stay hydrated longer.

·        Tulips are thirsty. Check the water level often, and add water daily.

·        Don’t be tempted to mix tulips and daffodils in the same vase. The tulips’ water channels will become clogged with a substance produced by the daffodils, and they’ll quickly wilt.

·        Keep the vase away from heat sources like direct sunlight, radiators, or lamps.

·        Add a teaspoon of sugar or a capful of mouthwash to keep the flowers from drooping and losing petals prematurely.

You’ll find even more super secrets for keeping your cut flowers looking bright and beautiful in my America’s Best Practical Problem Solvers book. And you can preview it—FREE for 21 days!