how to keep flowers alive??

ErinNicole0105

I picked up a basket full of flowers at my grandfathers funeral last week.  There are hydrangeas and tulips and a few I can't name but I am intending on planting them outside when the weather is warmer.  However, I am afraid I will not be able to keep them alive until then.  What should I do with them?  Are there any websites that might help me out?

Hey Jellisy

Keep them inside and watered in a sunny window until your frost free date has past and the night time temperature no longer goes below 50 degrees.  Once the tulips die down (leaves and flowers) you can plant the bulbs.  The will need to go about 2 inches deep with the pointy side up.  When you plant them mix some bone meal into the soil under the bulb.  The hydrangea may or my not be bred for outside use.  You will want to plant it in a hole about double its rootball.  Fill it in with soil that is rich in organic material (compost, peat, vermiculite) and keep it moist for a week weeks until it is established.  It may or may not take.  There is a florist variety that really does not like cold winters.  If that is the case, put it in a pretty container and leave it out for the summer and overwinter it in a sunny window.