The recent warm temperatures have provided a challenge for the organizers of the Shanghai Flower Fair to ensure its tulips will not bloom early.

According to an official surnamed Cai from the organizing committee, despite nearly a month to go until the April 9-18 fair at Changfeng Park, gardeners were confident they could make 70 percent of the tulips bloom just before opening day and 90 percent in full bloom during the show.

The most suitable temperature for tulips is around 10 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is ideal, they will bloom at the beginning of April according to their normal cycle.

But to combat the heat, garden experts have purchased 100 tons of acid soil and special fertilizer to cultivate the 360,000 tulip bulbs.

The bulbs are watered often and water is left in a ditch at night to cool them.

"It is effective. Their growth is really controlled," Cai said.

(eastday.com March 12, 2004)