Patumma is one of the most popular exported cut flowers in Thailand due to its attractive large pink bracts. Its export value, however is limited because of its poor vase life. The objective of this research was to extend patumma's shelf life by using a substance against ethylene action, 1 - Methyl cy clop r op ene (1-MCP). The experiment was arranged in a Factorial in Completely Randomized Design, composed of two factors: 1-MCP concentration at three levels (0, 100 and 300 ppb) with period of fumigation at two levels (12 and 15 h) in a hermetically sealed plastic bucket (50 L) at 20°C. Afterwards, the treated and untreated flower stems were dipped in a plastic bottle filled with distilled water and stored in ambient temperature (27°C, 91% RH). Weight loss of flowering stalk, water uptake by flowering stem, vase life, anthocyanin content and bract colour were recorded every other day at ambient temperature. The results showed that flowers treated with 300 ppb of 1-MCP for 15 h had the least weight loss of the flowering stem and preserved the highest anthocyanin content at 8 DAV. For water uptake by the flowering stem, flowers treated with 100 ppb of 1-MCP for 12 h gave the highest water uptake from six to ten days after vase life (DAV), while the maximal vase life (10.25 days) of flowers treated with 100 ppb of 1-MCP for 12 h was observed. For bract colour, the results showed that treatment with 100 ppb of 1-MCP for 15 h gave the maximal L* and a* values at 12 DAV. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.