Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp having improved warm-up characteristics is provided. The lamp includes a sealed glass envelope formed from U-shaped tubes each having a pair of substantially parallel leg sections closed at one end and a transversely extending bridging section joining the other end of the leg sections. Adjacent leg sections of adjacent tubes are joined by connecting conduits which complete a convoluted and elongate discharge path between a pair of electrodes. A main amalgam located within in a sealed stem at a closed end of an interior leg section for controlling mercury vapor pressure during a discharge period except for a starting period thereof. Auxiliary amalgams are attached to electrode support structures extending from the closed ends of the exterior leg sections for emitting mercury vapor during the starting period.