Roses may traditionally steal the spotlight during Valentine’s week, but this season Ludhiana has a new floral contender quietly making its way into the hearts of flower lovers — tulips. And the surprise is that you don’t need to travel all the way to Srinagar to find them. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has stepped in with a special offering: vibrant red and yellow tulip bunches, released into the market just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations.Dr Parminder Singh, Head of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping at PAU, revealed that the university has tied up with a leading florist chain to supply ten sticks tulips. More flowers can be given if demand increases.“We just want to explore the commercial aspect of tulips, so thought of giving it a try. Since Valentine’s week is going on, we felt this was the right time to understand its market,” he explained.The experiment is rooted in PAU’s three-year journey with tulips. Initially, the university planted 2,000 bulbs of eight different varieties procured from Holland through a private firm in Delhi. Over time, red and yellow varieties proved most compatible with local conditions, and these are now being cultivated.“It is a small step to understand the market of tulips. If the response is favourable, we may encourage farmers to adopt them, but right now it is too early to say,” Dr Singh added.PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal highlighted the aesthetic appeal of these blooms. “The early-blooming tulips create a stunning contrast against lush green foliage with their striking red and cheerful yellow hues. By cultivating these exquisite varieties, we are enhancing the floriculture landscape of the region while offering a spectacular visual treat,” he said.For Ludhiana’s flower enthusiasts, this initiative is more than just a Valentine’s surprise, it’s a glimpse into how tulips could one day become part of Punjab’s floriculture identity, adding colour, charm and commercial potential to the region’s gardens and markets.