After planting their bulbs in the fall, the tulip blooms herald the arrival of ... clean garden snips as soon as the petals drop. This prevents the plants from expending large amounts of energy ...

Like all flowering plants, a tulip is trying to reproduce. After the petals fade and fall off, the rest of the flower parts remain to create the seeds. “It’s best to remove the spent flowers ...

The anticipation for the Tulip Time Festival ... damage the blooms and make them fall apart quicker. But extended hot weather can make them wilt and shed petals, too, Auwerda said.