The siam tulip is a relatively new exported cut flower that has become widely recognized for its attractive colorful pink bract. The main problem limiting this lovely flower's value is its poor vase life after cutting. The objective of this study was to extend siam tulip's shelf life by using a substance against ethylene action, 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design, composed of two factors: 1-MCP concentration at four levels (0, 300, 600 or 900 ppb) and a period of fumigation at two levels (4 or 8 h) in a hermetically sealed plastic bucket (50 L) at 25°C. The results showed that flowers treated with 300 ppb 1-MCP for 8 h had maximal water uptake, preserved the highest anthocyanin content and the least occurrence of bract browning during postharvest life. No marked differences in weight loss of flowering stalk was observed. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc.