drooping tulips

[loobylou28]

i read somewhere recently about tips for stopping tulips from drooping in the vase, something to do with adding white vinegar to the water (i think) but i cant remember. Is this correct? if not, has anyone any tips on stopping the droop? they're my favourite flower and it seems such a shame that they droop after a few days

[Clanad]

In about a quart of warm (not hot) water dissolve perhaps a tablespoon full of sugar and the juice of 1/2 lemon (not the bottled type). Fill a vase with the thoroughly mixed water. Next, just before placing tulips in the vase take a pin (sewing needle works) and poke a few holes in the stem immediately under the bloom. Recut the bottoms of the stems with a sharp knife, rather than scissors. This works very well and the tulips should last for about a week while continuing to grow. Some of our friends swear by placing a shiny (thoroughly cleaned) copper penny or two in the bottom of the vase. I've not tried it so can't report... Best of luck!

[heathfield]

When tulips are cut, air enters the stem and produces an airlock that prevents the flower from drawing up water to keep the stem firm.
Pushing a needle or pin all the way through the top of the stem, immediately below the flowerhead, removes this airlock. and stops droop.
Also, if any of the stems are white toward the cut end, completely trim off the white. Tulips can only take up water through the green part of the stem.