Leave tulips in the wrap and place in a vase of water under a light source, for about an hour before arranging. This will help to keep the tulips upright for longer. Tulips tend to curve towards the light.

Remove any leaves that may be under water.

Hold the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp blade or cutters. Don’t let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your arrangement or other container.

Water to which a good flower food has been added is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut tulips.

Once the stems are cut, place your tulips in a clean, deep vase of warm water mixed with flower food (about 100 °F). If possible leave them in a cool dark room or refrigerator to 'condition' for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.

Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut tulip arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.

Tulips are also thirsty flowers. Make sure you regularly to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often, if set in foam materials try to saturate the container daily.