Tulip Botrytis (Gray Mold): Storage, Site, and Bulb Dip

10x5 ft tulip bed, Zone 6, wet springs. 3 years: healthy emergence, buds good, then Botrytis spots on open flowers. Few leaf spots. Discard discolored bulbs at dig (June).

Key Questions

• Fungicide in summer storage?
• Spray soil with fungicide?
• Last year sprayed young plants—no help.
• Replace soil?
• Which fungicide?

Expert Advice

1. Confirm Botrytis ID (lab/microscope).
2. Drainage critical: Wet soils = disaster.
3. Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated (pantyhose/mesh). Remove soil. Bulbs dry before storage. Add sawdust.
4. Don't replace soil yet. Ensure sun + air movement (trim surroundings) to keep foliage dry.
5. Bulb dip: Mertect (follow label).
6. Contact county Extension for local recommendations.

Expert insight provided by Steve.