Expert: Long Island Gardener - 3/25/2008

Question
I was given potted tulips for my new office.  I have no idea how to care for them, HELP!!!

Answer
First, DO NOT let them dry out.  These need WATER.  Soak them first thing every Monday and last thing every Friday.

Next, KEEP THEM AWAY from the Radiator or ventilation system.  That much dry air flowing past them all day will dry them out and shorten their lifespan.

Try to put them in a highly visible spot where people can see them.  Don't worry about 'care' here -- they are not going to last (a little longer than cut Tulips, yes, but these do fade and drop their petals).

If you LOVE them, cut off one stem at a time at the base of each flower when the first faded petal drops.  When they're all gone, you can stick the pot (which is the easiest thing to do) in the ground in the Sunniest spot you can find, and let it sit there until the leaves have shriveled and died back.  Usually some time in June.  The longer, the better -- this is the time they build next year's flower (internally developed and therefore you can't see it).

If you are all thumbs, however, don't sweat it.  Toss the pot -- someplace visible.  Some green thumbed employee will scoop it up and use it.

Piece of cake, right?  No mysteries here.  Any questions, write back.  I don't know you, right?

Thanks for writing, keep me posted,

L.I.G.