Plant Pathology Infobytes

September 30, 1998
Plan Now for Disease-Free Tulips and Daffodils

The time is approaching for fall planting of tulips, daffodils, and other types of flowering bulbs. While these crops are among the easiest plants to grow and maintain, they can be attacked by fungi, nematodes, and bacteria.

Bulb rot is the most serious disease which affects flowering bulbs in the South, but, as a general rule, this problem can be avoided provided careful attention is paid to soil preparation and bulb selection.

The following are suggestions for bulb rot control.

  • Buy bulbs from a reliable source and examine them closely before purchasing. Look for large unblemished, top-quality, well-cured bulbs. Try to find those that are certified as virus-free.
  • If possible, practice rotation in flower beds. This means don't plant the same kind of bulb in the same site every year. If practical, rotate with non-bulbous plants.
  • Bulbs should be planted at the recommended time, depth, and spacing, in a well-drained and aerated soil.
  • Avoid planting in low, poorly-drained soils which are favorable for development of bulb rot.
  • Do not use excessive amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, or organic matter.
  • Bulbs should be handled carefully before and during planting; avoid bruising.
  • Not all bulbs are going to be in perfect condition, so sort through them and discard those that are spotted, partially rotted, or moldy. Also, look for bulbs with cuts, bruises, sunscald, or other injuries.
  • Other symptoms of poor-quality bulbs may not be readily detectable. Look especially at the neck and basal areas of bulbs for signs of rot. If there is any doubt, try the water immersion trick. Healthy tulip bulbs immersed in water will sink, decayed bulbs will float.

Your home landscape can come alive next spring with beautiful displays of tulips and daffodils if you take the time to start the bulb planting season with high quality disease-free bulbs and plant them correctly. If you need additional information on the use of bulbs in the home landscape, please feel free to check with us at the County Extension Office.


Written by the late Dr. Frank Killebrew

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