Spring Bulb Flowers-Care and Handling Tips for Splendid Long Lasting Blooms

PORTLAND, Ore. - March 5, 2014 - PRLog -- The days have started to get longer; snow is slowly melting getting ready to give way to spring. Soon daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths will be peeking their heads out from beneath their snowy blankets to say hello with their bright and cheerful blooms. The Floral Design Institute professionals offer some tips on care and handling for these lovely spring bulbs.

Daffodils are the first to pop up in the spring months. These flowers are part of the narcissus family and come in a verity of colors including yellow, white, and a terrific bi-color of yellow and orange or white with apricot centers. When purchasing daffodils you want a tight bud with a touch of color showing. Foliage should be vibrant green with no yellowing. To condition the flowers give the stems a slanted cut with a sharp floral knife or shears then hydrate in a solution of warm water with commercial flower food. All flowers in the narcissus family must be placed in a vase alone to hydrate because they secrete a sap that will shorten the life of other flowers. The daffodils are safe to use in floral arrangements after they have been left to sit alone for three to six hours. Be sure not to re-cut the stem when arranging with other flowers. Follow these easy steps and you will enjoy the sunny faces of daffodils all season long.

Hyacinths bring the sent of spring alive with their lovely aroma. These fragrant flowers are available in pink, white, blue-violet, and purple. Purchase well formed spikes with open florets at the base of the spike and buds on the upper three-quarters of the spike. Avoid stems with yellowing foliage. There are is one very special care and handling tip to be aware of when conditioning hyacinths; according to Sun Valley growers, you should not re-cut the stems. The white area at the bottom of the stem is part of the bulb, the very bottom of this area is called the basal plate. This is part of the original bulb the plant grew from, and has been cored just like an apple. The basal plate must remain intact to allow the flower to drink ample water. All that is needed is to scrape the bottom of the basal plate and place in fresh water with commercial flower food. Once the blooms are hydrated the stems may be cut and used to enhance any spring floral design.

Tulips, the quintessential spring blossoms; arranged in a mix of flowers or in a vase all by themselves brighten any floral arrangement. Standard tulips come in a wide verity of colors from white to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, to deep purples and pinks, bi and tri colors too! Novelty verities include fringed and parrot tulips, for something a bit more feminine.  When purchasing, look for tight heads deep in vibrant green foliage that are just showing a bit of color.  The stems should be straight and strong. Re-cut stems under water with a sharp knife or shears be sure to remove all of the white portion of the stem.  Hydrate in a solution of warm water and commercial floral preservative for two hours before use.  To keep stems straight, wrap the bunch in paper while the flowers are hydrating. Tulips are a phototropic flower and will curve rapidly toward the light. Allow for this when designing; also remember that cut tulips continue to grow in length approximately one inch per day, so tucking them low into a design will allow for the growth.

For further care and handling tips and spring floral design inspiration
visit http://www.flowerschool.com