Tulipa: Root and Bulb Rot

Problem
Foliage is sparse and stunted. Often the leaves turn red, wilt, and die. When the plant is dug up, rotted bulbs are revealed. The bulbs may be either mushy or firm and chalky. Usually they are covered with a white, pink, or gray mold. There may be reddish brown to black pinhead-sized pellets on the bulb husks, leaf bases, and in the soil immediately surrounding the plant.

Analysis
This disease of tulips is caused by several different soil-inhabiting fungi that attack and decay the bulbs and roots. Some of these fungi form tiny pellets on the bulbs and in the soil. These pellets survive through dry conditions and extremes of temperature. Bulbs and root rots are favored by wet, poorly drained soils. Bulbs injured during digging or storing are especially susceptible to infection. Sometimes bulbs in storage are lightly infected, but the fungal decay hasn't progressed far enough to be easily noticed. When planted, these bulbs may rot so quickly that they don't produce any foliage.

Solution
Remove and destroy infected plants and the soil immediately surrounding them. Check and discard infected bulbs before planting. Avoid wounding bulbs when cultivating around them or handling them. Plant in a well-drained location. Do not replant tulips in infested soil for at least 3 years.