Tulip Problems

[sandersj89]

Every year I grow a selection of tulips for cutting. They are left in the ground for a couple of years then I dig them up to break up the clumps of bulbs, these are stored over the summer and replanted the following autumn for the cycle to start over again.

The early varieties are now just about in flower and ready for picking. These are a yellow type with red stripes, similar to this:



This year though the petals of the tulip have small brown dots all over them making them no good for display. The leaves are un affected and there is no sign of slug damage.

I feed the tulips in February with fish blood and bone and again after cutting to boost them for the next year. Other than that they receive no other care.

Any ideas? I will try and post a picture later if I get a chance to go to the plot.

Thanks

Jerry

[fen not fen]

Could it be rain damage?

[sandersj89]

It seem it is Tulip Fire or Tulip Blight. This is a fungal problem and stays in the soil for a few years.

Ideal weather conditions are mild wet days exactly as we have right now.

Looks like I will have to destroy my current bulbs and start fresh next year in a new spot.



Jerry

[Diva]

While we're on the subject of tulips, last year I planted around a dozen red ones at the front of my home. I've lived there for 15 years and have never planted tulips in there before. Now, last year they came up and were a beautiful vibrant red colour. This year they have come up and it seems that they have brought some friends along as there are now two yellow ones amongst them . Where did they come from? I only wanted red ones in the bed as my garden is colour matched to the paintwork on my home, red green and cream (sad I know but hey, looks nice! ). Do tulips have a tendancy to change colour after a while?