The symbol of perfect love, tulips are a sure sign that spring is in full swing! Tulips can be found in a wide array of colors and variations making them perfect for any and all occasions. No matter how they are arranged, Tulips add a perfect touch of elegance. Tulips can be a bit tricky to care for, but with a few simple care and handing guidelines they will always delight!
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Stem Elongation After Harvest
Solution:
Use FloraLife® Tulipa* properly mixed with FloraLife® Bulb 100* formulated with ingredients to help inhibit stem elongation and keep stems short and healthy.
Problem:
Stem Elongation After Harvest
Solution:
Use FloraLife® Tulipa* properly mixed with FloraLife® Bulb 100* formulated with ingredients to help inhibit stem elongation and keep stems short and healthy.
Problem:
Botrytis & Pathogen Sensitivity
Solution:
Prone to botrytis and pathogens. Do not over pack buckets with bunches to allow enough breathing room between stems and avoid mechanical damage, which creates an entrance for pathogens. Also, respect the cold chain and avoid temperature fluctuations. Do not get water on or handle the flowers by their blooms.
Problem:
Prone to Mechanical/Physical Damage
Solution:
Stems and blooms should be securely wrapped to avoid flower and foliage breaking and bruising. Do not over pack boxes to allow good airflow and avoid damage.
Problem:
Leaf Yellowing
Solution:
Use FloraLife® Bulb 100* formulated to help keep foliage green and healthy. This solution provides vital ingredients for bulb flowers.
Problem:
Geotropic
Solution:
Tulips continue to grow after being cut, anywhere from 2.5CM (1inch) up to as much as 15cm (approximately 6"). As their stems reach upwards, tulips begin to arch, bend and twist. The bending is an effect of stem elongation and the weight of the flower. It is not a response to light. Treat with a mix of FloraLife® Bulb 100* and FloraLife® Tulipa* to minimize this phenomenon.
Need to Know: Tulips Helpful Hints
Properly Dosed and Mixed Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps blooms fully develop & open
- Helps Tulips stay hydrated
- Longer vase life & better color development
- Avoids leaf yellowing
Keep them Fresh!
- Treat at farm level with FloraLife® Tulipa 100* (FloraLife® Bulb 100* properly dosed and mixed with FloraLife® Tulipa*) to keep foliage green, inhibit stem elongation, promote proper flower development and extend vase life, creating less shrink or waste throughout the distribution chain, especially for retailers. FloraLife® Tulipa 100 is formulated with gibberellin and cytokinin, well known chemistries that benefit tulips.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200.
- Cooler / storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C
- Processing recommendations at retail: Tulips packed horizontally should be held at 34-38°F, 1-3°C to avoid geotropic bending. Stems should be maintained in an upright position during handling to prevent stem bending.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers (packets): FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300*, FloraLife® Universal 300* or FloraLife® Express Universal 300.
Performance
- Tulips have an average vase life of 5-10 days.
- Tulips are graded based on uniformity of opening and stem length. When purchasing Tulips, flowers and stems should be clean and free from defects such as flower bud blasting (flowers abort or deformed) or greening of flower buds. Avoid stems with yellow leaves and disease. Tulip buds should be closed or just starting to open; color of the flower should be evident.
- Opening speed is dependent on ambient temperature. Although they are not fast openers, the warmer the temperature the faster they will bloom.
- Foliage is characterized as sheathing leaves on each side of the stem.
- Tulips can be mixed with most other flowers without any negative or harmful effects. However, do not mix daffodils in the same vase as they secrete a slime that contains toxins that are harmful to other flowers.
- If designing in foam use a lower density foam like OASIS® Springtime for easier stem insertion. Always cut at a sharp angle before inserting into foam. Create designs as close to event as possible. Check water levels or foam periodically to be sure flowers stay hydrated.
- Because Tulips continue to elongate after harvest they often grow out of arrangements. Keep flowers at cool temperatures to minimize growth or use FloraLife® Tulipa 100*.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch or FloraLife® Crowning Glory* spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
FIFO
- FIFO (First In First Out) inventory rotation is always our recommendation so stems are as fresh as possible for consumer and they enjoy their flowers for the maximum vase life. Tulips can hold up to 5 days in cold storage as long as the cold chain is strictly followed and temperatures remain at 34-38°F, 1-3°
Want more information? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representative to schedule an in-person consultation for expert advice!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.