Mould on bulbs
Protect your flower bulbs from mould by following our expert guidance.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time to act | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Most spring bulbs are sold in autumn. This is a time when mould can thrive, so check them carefully when you buy to make sure there are no signs of it – an infected bulb can easily spread the fungus to other bulbs. Lily bulbs in particular don't have a natural protective layer and are bruised easily, which can lead to rot.
Symptoms
Patches of mould start to appear on the bulb. Sometimes it's tucked in between the scales (in the case of lilies), or it can be found under the papery tissue around the neck.
Find it on
lilies
Organic
In general, the bigger and plumper the bulb, the better. It needs to be firm and undamaged. If there's brown rot at the base of the bulb, don't buy it.
Chemical
Blue mould may appear on tissue that has been slightly damaged, but you can cut it away with a clean, sharp knife and dust the wound with fungicide.
Jan subscription offer
Get our Year Planner 2025 with a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine. Get 6 issues for £14.99.
Your Guide to Roses on sale now
Love roses? Inside our guide is everything you need to know for success with your blooms, from pruning to problem solving. On sale in stores and online now!
Discover our NEW Travel & Events Brochure
Whether it's the vibrant beauty of Madeira's Flower Festival or the quiet luxury of a Cornish shepherd's hut, our NEW Travel & Events Brochure is your guide to unforgettable experiences.
New podcast series
Give your mental and physical health a boost, with our new Wellness podcast series from Monty and the team.
