Ah you know it's spring when the luscious, fresh green leaves of tulips are pushing through the soil into the cool crisp air.

Spring Brides no matter what theme you've chosen for your wedding you're sure to find a tulip to match, since they come in a manifold of magnificent colours.

During the months of March, April and May you will find an array of tulips in just about any supermarket you enter.

They're all beautiful, so even if you're not about to be a blushing bride, these flowers will more than wake up any window sill or hearth for several days if you give them what they require.

TULIP TYPES -THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF VARIETIES

Most people know what the standard tulip looks like - a deep, cup shaped flower consisting of 6 petals settled singularly atop an almost perfectly erect stem and surrounded by several, spear like, long broad leaves.

Today you can find tulips in many sizes, long and short stems. Large and small flower heads. Plain in colour or multicoloured. Frilly petals or a multitude of petals? Take you pick.

Take a look at some of these examples on Pinterest.

PITFALLS THAT CAN BE PREVENTED

Tulips seem to withstand the strongest of winds, and the worst that inclement weather can bring without yielding, but put them in a vase of water and within a day or too their limp stems and drooping heads will quickly announce that they have lost their will to live.

YOUR TULIPS WILL LIVE LONGER IF YOU FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES

1. Tulips do not like to share their space with daffodils. Put them in a vase with some and they will very soon show their distaste.

2. Tulips will last longer if you do not put them on a bright window sill.

3. Keep your tulips in a room that is not too hot.

4. Give your tulips a fair chance - Encourage them to drink. When you get them home, before you place them in a container with cool fresh water; use a sharp knife / scissors to cut about an inch off the stems, make sure you cut the stems at a 45 degree angle.

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5. Always put your freshly cut tulips in fresh cool water.

6. Remove any leaves lower down the stem of your tulips. If you leave them on they will probably start to rot and shorten the life of the flower.

7. When buying your flowers, look out for buds that are not ready to open yet.

8. Look out for flowers that are no taller than their leaves, this is a good sign that your flowers are fresh.

9. Avoid tulips that are much longer than their leaves, they won't last as long.

10. Choose your vase wisely, go for taller as opposed to shorter vases.

11. I always use a clean pin to prick through the stems of my tulips, just under an inch below the flower head. Trust me your tulips will not wilt if you do the same.

12. If your bunch of tulips comes with flower food use it. It really does help prolong their life.

13. Remember that tulips are phototropic they will grow towards the light even as cut flowers. If you're going to keep your tulips in a sunny room, you may need to keep an eye on them, and consider turning the vase every now and then if you see them bending toward the light.

14. Tulips are thirsty flowers, keep an eye on them and keep the vase at least half full with nice cold water.

This is not an exhaustive list of do's and don'ts for keeping fresh cut tulips, but they should all help you to enjoy your tulips for a little while longer.

PC Creations Leeds wishes you every success with your flowers.

If you have any questions why not get in touch.

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