Harvest when flowers are in bud, with a hint of color showing on the outer petals. If you want to perennialize your tulips, it’s important to leave at least two sets of leaves on the stem when harvesting to replenish the bulb and give it energy to bloom the following season. Here at Floret, we treat our tulips as annuals, and pull up the entire plant, bulb and all, during harvest. For extended storage, leave the bulb attached and store upright out of water in a cooler for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to use the flowers, cut off the bulbs before placing in water. Keep in mind that once placed in water, fresh-picked stems will elongate during the first few days, so if you’re adding them to an arrangement, nestle the flowers down deeper than you ultimately want them to be. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.