If your bulbs are rotting, it is likely because they are not getting the proper amount of water or nutrients. When bulbs are not watered regularly, they can become dehydrated and as a result, their cells can become damaged and eventually give way to rot.
Fungal and bacteria infections can also play a role, as poor drainage and excessive moisture can lead to fungal and bacterial infections that can cause the bulb to rot. Additionally, the pH of the soil can also be a factor – if it is too acidic or too alkaline, the roots of the bulbs may not be able to absorb enough nutrients and their cells will weaken and rot away.
Finally, bulbs sometimes turn to rot if they have been planted too deeply or densely, depriving them of adequate air circulation and a suitable temperature range.
What does bulb rot look like?
Bulb rot is a condition that can affect both the leaves and bulbs of a variety of plants, including tulips, begonias and daffodils. Generally, the first sign of bulb rot is soggy, discolored foliage.
As the condition progresses, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant’s stems may look limp and weak. In addition, the bulb will become soft, ivory colored and p
Savvy you clean the bulbs, tubers or Rhizomes etc, with a week solution of soapy water (I use washing up liquid soap) place the bulbs into this diluted mixture with cool, (baby bath temp) and allow the bulbs to be just covered, after several hours, rinse the bulbs under running tap till you get rid of the soapy mixture, 9Even some soap left it too week to harm the bulbs)
Try get a few of those egg boxes we get when buying a doz eggs, or just lay out newspaper.
Pat the bulbs dry with kitchen paper towel, lay BOTTOM end up and leave to allow all the water and wet to run out of the bulbs, takes several days.
Repeat the bulbs with kitchen paper, place the sulphur powder into a paper bag, WEAR GLOVES, pop a couple of bulbs into the bag, clasp to top to close bag, use other hand to hols bottom of bag and do a upturn shake as you go, this will coat the bulbs, remove the bulbs and repeat till all the bulbs are dry and coated LIGHTLY with the sulphur powder.
Remove any wet damaged or loose parts of the bulbs, (they peel like Onions).
Leave bulbs in dark but cool place till you have the soil prepared for replanting.
Here in UK I have a lot of rainfall and parts of my garden can
Bulb Rot: A Comprehensive Guide to Identification, Causes, and Management
Bulb rot is a common and sometimes devastating problem faced by gardeners and farmers growing bulbous plants such as onions, garlic, tulips, and lilies. It is not a single disease but a symptom of various underlying pathogens that can lead to the decay of the bulb. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll explore the types, symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of bulb rot.
Types of Bulb Rot
Several types of rot can affect bulbs, each caused by different fungi or bacteria. Here are some common ones:
1. Basal Rot
Caused mainly by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, it affects the base of the bulb.
2. Neck Rot
Often caused by the fungi Botrytis allii and Botrytis aclada, it affects the neck or stem of the bulb.
3. Soft Rot
Caused by bacteria such as Erwinia carotovora, it leads to a soft, mushy decay.
Symptoms of Bulb Rot
The following are common symptoms of bulb rot:
- Discoloration: Yellow, brown, or black discoloration of the bulb.
- Foul Smell: A strong, unpleasant odor often accompanies rotting.
- Soft or Mushy Texture: The bulb becomes soft to the touch.
- Growth Inhibition: Aff
As a gardening and landscaping expert, I understand the frustration that comes with overwatering and the resulting bulb rot. However, there are a few steps you can take to potentially save your bulb and prevent further damage.
1. Dig up the affected bulb: Start by carefully removing the bulb from the soil. Gently loosen the soil around it to avoid damaging the roots further. Be cautious not to shake off any loose soil, as this may spread the rot to other bulbs or plants.
2. Inspect and remove rotten portions: Once you have the bulb out of the ground, examine it closely for signs of rot. Soft and squishy areas or a foul smell are indications of rot. Using a clean and sharp knife or pruning shears, carefully cut away the affected portions. It is crucial to cut well into healthy tissue to ensure all the rot is removed.
3. Treat with a systemic fungicide: After removing the rotten portions, you can apply a systemic fungicide to help combat any remaining fungal infection. Systemic fungicides are absorbed by the plant and provide long-lasting protection. Follow the instructions on the fungicide label for application rates and timing.
4. Allow the bulb to dry: Once you have treated
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