By Hillary
I think it's well worth it to spend a few bucks on fresh cut flowers to cheer up a grey, rainy day. Today I skipped my morning latte and instead bought 10 tulips from a street vendor for $5.
My mom taught me that putting a penny in the bottom of your vase (or if you're stuck at work like I am, your drinking glass) extends the life of tulips. I don't know if the penny trick is rooted in science or superstition but I always drop a penny in my vase of tulips, just in case.
Before putting your tulips in water, you should cut about an inch off the bottom of the stem, making sure to cut on an angle. The real secret to preventing droopy tulips, though, is to pierce the stem directly below the flower with a sharp knife. You don't want to make a huge cut; you just want to put the tip of the knife all of the way through the stem. I'm sure there is some science-y reason for this but I couldn't even begin to tell you what it is; all I know is that my tulips will still open, the stems just won't droop over the side of the vase.
{Photo credits: me and my trusty iPhone}
yes! the flower mart guys told me that tulips will continue to grow in water so that you can extend the life by cutting the ends and then recutting as they get taller. and a tarnished penny helps too!
Posted by: kat | January 27, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Yep, there is definitely a science-y reason. The alkaline penny will change the pH of the water. Plants tend to grow better in alkaline soil, so by making the water more alkaline, it extends their life a bit longer. YAY SCIENCE!
Posted by: Stevie | January 27, 2011 at 04:10 PM
I love buying flowers instead of coffee (or anything else).
Posted by: Jennie | January 27, 2011 at 05:42 PM