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Tulipa sp
(TEW-li-pa)
Common Name: Tulip
Family: Liliaceae

Hardy, spring flowering bulbs with most stems terminating in a single flower. Single and double flowers of many colors. Origin is thought to be th Near East and Turkey. The most common species Tulipa gesnerana was named for the 16th century botanist C. Gesner. Some people may contract ermititis from handling tulips.

Consumer care
Recut stem bases immediately and place tulips in clean tepid water. Do not use a floral preservative as it causes stem stretching. Keep in a cool place away from extremes of heat and draft. Avoid any environments that would lead to rapid evaporation. Check water levels in container regularly. Place in a uniformly lighted area to avoid bending toward light. Do not place in containers with narcissus. Some people may develop a skin rash from handling, use care.

Retail handling
Preparation. Recut stem bases immediately prior to use.

Hydration . Place stems in 6 to 8 inches of tepid water. Keep flowers tightly wrapped to prevent permanent stem bending and hold at room temperature until flowers are turgid.

Preservative . Do not uses a floral preservative.

Temperature . Refrigerate hydrated tulips at 35 F (2 C) for best longevity.

Miscellaneous chemical effects. The slime exudate from narcissus held in the same container drastically shortens the life of cut tulips. Do not place tulips an freshly cut narcissus in the same container to hydrate.

Skin sensitivity . Caution some people may develop a dermititis (skin rash) from handling tulips. Wear gloves for protection if necessary.

Postproduction factors
Development at harvest. Tulips are usually cut when half of the flower shows color, but the best stage of development at harvest varies with cultivar. Cool flowers immediately at 35 F (2C) in at least 85% relative humidity.

Lasting qualities. Many cultivars have a vase life of 5 to 6 days, though some varieties last only 3 to 4 days. Among the shorter-lived varieties are Apeldorn, General Eisenhower, Godoshnik, London, Oxford and President Kennedy. Preservativ

Preservatives tend to cause undesirable stretching of the stem, with only minimal benefits to vase life. Generally preservatives are not used with Tulips.

Hydration . Wat r quality affects vase life. Use distilled or deionized water.

Ethylene. Exposure to ethylene may inhibit stem elongation, but may also reduce longevity.

Storage . Store flowers upright in water or dry in a horizontal position for short periods at about 35 F(2C). Store flowers upright, dry, for up to 5 days. Wrap flowers tightly. Some cultivars may be stored for 2 to 3 weeks if harvested in the green bud stage with the bulb attached and held at 32 F (0 C).

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