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FAQ

Bulb flowers

  • Is it true that tulips still grow on the vase?

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    Tulips don't know when to stop! That is their special charm. Other flowers stay put once cut. Not the tulip. Tulips keep growing in the vase — gaining an inch in height or more. And they bend. Gracefully, they twist and turn, leaning this way or that, toward sources of light. Lithe, lean, glamorous, the tulip is bent to please! The seemingly whimsical bending of tulips is actually caused by the dual effects of continuing stem growth and the gentle pull of light and gravity on the flower head.

  • What is the vase life of a tulip?

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    For longest vase life, buy tulips with flower heads just starting to open (the bud should be closed, but with the colour of the flower evident). Before arranging tulips, condition them by re-cutting the base of the stem with a clean sharp knife. This will open up the flower's water uptake channels. Cut flower food is not necessary for tulips. With proper care, tulips should open and last from three to seven days. Keep away from sources of heat (including direct sunlight, radiators, lamps and television sets).

  • Is it true that daffodils and tulips should not be combined?

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    Combining tulips with daffodils or any other members of the narcissus family is not recommended because narcissi exude a slimy substance that shortens the lifespan of other flowers by clogging their water uptake channels.

  • What makes a good cut flower?

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    Sturdy stems, interestingly shaped flowers with non-fading colour, and abundant long-lasting blossoms make the best cut flowers. Many of the best are bulb flowers.

  • Can you grow your own cut flowers?

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    Yes you can grow your own cut flowers, especially in the summer. Good examples are: gladioli, dahlia, agapathus, allium and crocosmia. To grow your own bulb flowers in winter is more difficult, you will need a small greenhouse to get them in bloom in the winter months.

  • Is it true that fruit involves the vase life of flowers?

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    As fruit ripens, it produces ethylene gas, which can shorten the vase life of some flowers. Many bulb flowers are particularly sensitive to this gas.

  • Are there any tips for removing pollen from your clothing?

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    In the heart of their flowers, lilies have large "anthers" covered with dusty reddish gold pollen that can stick on and stain clothing, tablecloths and upholstery. Some people clip the anthers from the flower for this reason. Others think this makes the flower look unnatural and prefer to leave the anthers and deal with the pollen. If treated quickly and correctly, wayward pollen is quite easy to remove. Do not brush the pollen off fabric with your hands; oils from your skin will set the stain. Also, do not dab with water or a moistened cloth; this will spread and set the stain. Let the pollen "dry," then carefully brush it away with a dry, soft brush or facial tissue. Sticky tape also works well; gently dab pieces of tape on the cloth until the pollen is gone. If some pollen remains after completing these procedures, place the item in direct sunlight for a few hours; the stain should "magically" disappear. Pollen stains can often be removed from washable fabrics by pre-treating t them with an enzymatic detergent such as era.

  • What to do with breaking hippeastrum stems?

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    Since a few years hippeastrum (amaryllis) is popular as a cut flower. As the flowers are very heavy the stem needs to be very sturdy. During the time in the vase, the stem gets weaker by taking up the water. The tip from the professional florist is: use some bamboo sticks and put them in the hollow stem of the hippeastrum. The flowers don’t mind, as they will not fall down!