Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
They all mean love,
And tulips do, too!

According to the traditional language of flowers, red tulips especially symbolize eternal love. Available in a rainbow of colors, tulips originated from Persia and Turkey and have been a world-wide favorite for centuries. They grew so much in popularity, that a “tulip mania” erupted in the 17th century in the Netherlands! Luckily, you can find these spring blooms at your local Nugget Markets. 

Check out these pro tips for arranging cut tulips and making them last: 

• Select a vase that is half as tall as your tulip stems. Before putting tulips in water, remove lower leaves and wash their stems to remove any dirt.
• Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle at least 1 inch from the bottom.
• Measure the stem length by turning the flower upside down and cutting to the height you desire.
• Place stems in a vase with cool water and floral food.
• Stems will degrade in water, so keep water level to no more than ⅓ of the vase, but check the water level daily as tulips are heavy drinkers!    
• For a more upright arrangement, create more support with a full bundle of tulips or plenty of other flowers, greens and branches to fill in the space.
• For a looser arrangement, use a flare-shaped vase. This will allow the tulips to arch according to their own movement.

 To prolong the life of your tulips:

• Use the floral food that comes with your cut bouquet.
• Keep water levels up to cover the ends of the stems.
• Clean out the vase, give fresh water and food, and recut your stems every couple of days.
• Keep the arrangement out of direct sunlight and away from a heat source like a space heater, stove or fireplace. 
• If tulips get droopy, take a pin or toothpick and insert through the throat of the tulip. This releases air that gets trapped in the stem and will allow water to flow up.

Find these beautiful blooms and an assortment of other fabulous flowers in the floral department of your local Nugget Markets!