FOR THE WINTER WEARY, TULIPS PROVIDE ULTIMATE SPRING TEASE

Research shows that people respond positively to brighter light and colors. The fact that tulips come in just about every shade under the sun (except true blue and black), is probably a key to their acceptance worldwide as the premier symbol of spring.

Following are tips for using tulips as day-brighteners from the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center in New York City:

Treat yourself! There are more than 500 varieties of cut tulips available. Some are fragrant, others ruffled or fringed, in solid hues or flamboyant bi-colors. Look in flower stands, florists' shops, and supermarkets right now is when tulips are most abundant.

For longest vase life, buy tulips with flower heads just starting to open (the bud should be closed, but with the color of the flower evident).

Before arranging tulips, condition them by re-cutting the base of the stem with a clean sharp knife. This will open up the flower's water uptake channels. Cut flower food is not necessary for tulips.

Tulips are particularly thirsty. Check water level daily. Add some more or change water daily for longest vase life.

With proper care, tulips should open and last from four to seven days. Keep away from sources of heat (including direct sunlight, radiators, lamps and television sets).

Tulips seem to have a mind all their own, with stems that bend, twist and turn into new positions each day. This effect is caused by the dual effects of continuing stem growth and the gentle pull of light and gravity on the flower head.

Tulips (like daisies and dahlias) look at home in any type of container: from the homeliest tin to the prettiest crystal vase.

Tulips (like daisies and dahlias) look at home in any type of container: from the homeliest tin to the prettiest crystal vase.

Combining tulips with daffodils or any other members of the Narcissus family is not recommended because narcissi exude a slimy substance that shortens the lifespan of other flowers by clogging their water uptake channels.

Potted tulips are also abundant now. A pot indoors or outside the front door brings a smile to those eager to feel the seasons change. Buy potted tulips young, before the buds are open, to enjoy weeks of enjoyment as the stems and flowers grow and mature.

A POT OF DAFFODILS, PLEASE

Spring bulb flowers are smile-makers: a simple pleasure, a lovely self-indulgence. Not expensive. And fun. Duck inside when a florist’s window catches your eye, buy a potted blue hyacinth. Get your mom some daffodils - a pot will last and last on the bedside table. Add colorful potted tulips to the breakfast table as a change of routine to start the day.

More and more top-notch American growers are growing quality cut and potted bulb flowers, making them more widely available and affordable. Recent market research shows that approximately 45 million U.S. households now purchase flowers at least once a month, up from 31 million a decade ago (according to Chicago-based marketing consulting firm, The Floral Index, Inc.). Part of the reason may be the increased role that supermarkets and mass merchandisers now play in carrying fresh and potted flowers.