Lesson 4
Tulip fire and squirrels
Tulip fire (Botrytis tulipae) shows as scorched, distorted leaves with grey fuzz. Lift and bin affected plants (NOT in the compost); don't plant tulips in that soil for 3 years.
Squirrels dig up bulbs the day after planting. Cover the soil with chicken wire pinned down until growth starts in February, or top-dress thickly with sharp grit.
Slugs strip emerging shoots in mild winters. Ring pots with wool pellets in February or copper tape around the rim.
Diagnosing a poor display
- Lots of leaves, no flowers — bulbs were too small or planted too shallow.
- Stems leaning hard one way — too much shade; rotate the pot weekly.
- Flowers open and immediately drop petals — too warm a spot; tulips like cool mornings.
- Scorched papery leaves — frost damage on early emergence; protect with fleece next year.