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Need Some Spring? Turn To Tulips

We’re at the end of winter (we hope!) and it’s getting easier and easier to daydream about the warm days ahead. But until those days actually arrive, you can give yourself an early glimpse of spring by bringing home one of the most beloved spring flowers.

Tulips are an instant room-brightener — and dare we say all-around day-brightener. Their vibrant colors look incredible when intermixed or when kept monochromatic, and they’re available as cut bunches or potted bulbs.

Once you get your tulips home, be sure to keep them in a cool spot that’s away from sunlight to help them last as long as possible. If you’re enjoying cut flowers, add bulb food to their vase and give them a fresh cut before arranging. And don’t be alarmed if their stems seem overly arched. They’ll straighten themselves out overnight.

Here are a few fun facts about these spring favorites:

They “sleep” when we do. Tulips close up at night but open again every day, letting you enjoy them at their most beautiful.

They continue to grow after they’re cut. When giving your tulips a fresh cut, don’t worry if you accidentally snip them shorter than planned. Their stems will continue to grow in the vase — possibly as much as an inch per day!

They bend toward the light. Wherever you’re displaying your tulips, take note of the light. If it’s coming from only one direction, you may want to rotate your pot or vase once a day to keep the tulips standing upright.

They look amazing alone but even better with friends! Our favorite fillers for enhancing a collection of tulips are waxflower and pussy willow. These won’t overshadow the beauty of your tulips, but will give your arrangement an added wow factor.

Magic by San Cisco

Silver Tongue by Young the Giant

Half Full Glass of Wine by Tame Impala

The Less I Know the Better by Tame Impala

Make Your Valentine’s Day Flowers Last

If your sweetie surprised you with a stunning selection of your favorite flowers this Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to enjoy them as long as possible. Although different varieties of cut flowers naturally vary in the length of their vase life, there are a few things you can do to keep those blooms looking beautiful longer and get the most out of that loving gift.

Stay Cool. Cut flowers aren’t crazy about heat! To avoid dehydration, keep them in a cool place that’s between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure they stay out of direct sunlight and away from vents or drafty areas.

H20h Yeah. Just as you need to hydrate daily, so do your blooms! Add cool water to their vase each day. (Warm water will make the flowers open more quickly.) If the water becomes cloudy, pour it out and replace it entirely with fresh water.

Snip, Snip. If you’re giving your flowers fresh water, it’s a good idea to give them a fresh cut as well! Go 1 to 2 inches up from the bottom of the stem and snip at a 45-degree angle. This angle prevents the stems from being able to sit flush at the bottom of the vase and collect any unwanted bacteria. It also gives the stems more surface area to take in water.

Mmm, Good. Each time you replace the water, sprinkle in a packet of floral food for added nutrients. Floral food is a combination of additives that nourishes your arrangement and discourages bacteria from growing in the water.

Must-Have Flowers For Your Home This Fall

Autumn’s eye-catching beauty is evident every time you step outside: Colors are changing on the trees and shrubs, leaves are starting to speckle the ground and crisp air is cooling the days and nights. But this beloved time of year can be just as beautiful indoors as it is out. Bring home these fall favorites to enjoy the best of the season inside your own home.

Indoor floral mums. Undoubtedly the all-stars of fall, mums are bursting with blooms and come in a variety of colors, making them a perfect complement to your home décor. Different varieties have unique looks — from daisy-like blooms to mounds of delicate petals. Mums are available in several sizes so you can fill any space with their brilliant beauty and add harvest style to every setting.

Seasonal bouquets. These grab-and-go options can be unwrapped and set in your favorite vase in seconds. Complete with flowers, accents and greens, bouquets are a great way to enjoy a gorgeous display with little to no effort. We’re currently loving “Happy Days” and “Hot Apple Cider,” which both highlight a refreshing array of sunflowers in vibrant hues. Pro tip: Use a clear vase and watch these colored sunflowers turn the water a pretty shade of pink!

Bring on the Pansies!

By: Susan Bachman West, Bachman’s executive director of perishable operations

Spring has sprung, but we’re patiently awaiting warmer weather before we officially start digging in the garden. Celebrate this season of renewal by creating a welcoming spring entrance. Fill an outdoor container with a transitional planting to help brighten the doorstep or patio from now until garden season!

Pansies are one of the most popular and recognizable cool weather annuals, which makes them ideal for adding a pop of color to your outdoor patio, deck or yard. Try using faux branches and other cold season blooms such as ranunculus, cyclamen and cineraria to create a lush planting and seasonal interest.

After months of growing in greenhouses, pansies can finally make their way outdoors. Just remember to temporarily move them indoors if temps drop below 28 degrees again.  

With proper care, pansies can last quite a while in the bowl, and even be transferred into your garden bed (if you’d like) once the soil is warm enough for planting. You can find our pansy bowls at any Lunds & Byerlys store.

Bachman’s Tips:

Water regularly, and even more if blooms seem to droop.

Put pansies in a place that receives a good amount of sun.

Use all-purpose fertilizer occasionally to help them grow.  

Pinch off blooms to stimulate new growth.

Prune dying flowers by clipping the entire stem.