At DutchGrown, we care about you and the success of your garden. Planting flower bulbs is very simple, but as with all gardening activities, there will always be challenges. For example, flower bulbs can get damaged. In this article, we will explain how to identify dead and healthy bulbs and give you solutions that may solve the most common flower bulb difficulties.
Do Bulbs Go Bad
Flower bulbs can go bad if they are not stored correctly. For example, they can rot, freeze or dry out. Too much water can also cause bulb rot. Or vice versa: insufficient water can cause the plant and bulb to dry out. Note: The amount of water the plant needs depends on the species.
How To Tell If Bulbs Are Dead
To find out if flower bulbs are dead, you'll need to look for a few signs of damage. Check for the following signs:
- Soft or mushy bulbs: A dead bulb will often feel soft, mushy, or spongy when you press on it.
- Rot and mold: Look for brown or black spots on the bulb. White, fuzzy mold or other moldy growth indicates poor health.
- Pests: Inspect the bulb for feeding damage, discoloration, hollow spots, and tunnels created by pests.
- Dried out: If a bulb looks extremely shriveled, brittle, or feels very light, it may be completely dried out.
- Odor: A dead or decaying bulb often has a foul, sour, or ‘rotten’ odor.
- No growth: Dead bulbs show no signs of sprouting or root growth after planting.
How To Tell If Flower Bulbs Are Still Good
So, what should a bulb look like? You can use the feeling test to determine if the bulb is still good. Hold the bulb in your hand. Good bulbs should feel firm and solid when you squeeze them gently. Healthy bulbs are usually a little heavier because they retain moisture.
Will Dried Out Bulbs Grow
You may be wondering: will damaged bulbs grow if, for example, they are dried out? It is possible that dried-out bulbs will grow as long as they are not moldy, but only if they are firm and plump. You can try to plant them, but success isn't guaranteed. If the bulbs are shriveled and dry, it is best to plant new, healthy bulbs.
How Long Are Bulbs Good For
Have you received a package of flower bulbs? You don’t want to store bulbs for more than a month after receiving them. So, as soon as you get a window in your schedule or the weather improves, take the opportunity to get your unplanted Tulip bulbs and other bulbs outside and into the ground.
If you decide to dig flower bulbs up, most of them can be stored for around 12 months if they are cared for properly. Dry them first and store them in a net or bag in a cool, dark place such as a garage or basement with a temperature between 4-20 °C (40-70ºF).
Read more: How to Store Tulip Bulbs
The Most Common Flower Bulb Difficulties
Most bulbs are relatively easy to plant, depending on the species. However, if the conditions are not right, there can be pitfalls. The good news is that it is possible to solve these pitfalls. Let’s have a look at the most common flower bulb difficulties.
The Bulbs Don’t Grow Leaves And Flowers
- Planted too late in the season: The best planting time for spring bulbs is in the fall, from September through December. Plant Tulips bulbs and other spring bulbs before the ground freezes. Summer bulbs should be planted in mid to late spring once the risk of frost has passed.
- Root rot caused by large amounts of water: Plant the flower bulbs in loose, well-drained soil. Add compost and peat moss to improve compact soil and avoid overwatering and wet soil.
- Animals have eaten the bulbs: Choose deer- and rodent-resistant bulbs, such as Allium, Snowdrops, Daffodils, and Iris, to avoid them from eating the bulbs, flower buds and leaves.
- Damaged or diseased bulbs: These bulbs may not have enough energy reserves to send up shoots. Inspect bulbs before planting and buy high-quality flower bulbs for the best results.
Reading tip: When Should I Plant My Spring Flowering Bulbs
The Bulbs Produce Leaves But Don’t Produce Flowers
- The bulbs have been planted too deep: Follow the general rule of thumb when planting bulbs. Give the bulbs at least two times the depth of the height of the soil above them. Read more information in our article ‘How Deep Do You Plant Tulip Bulbs’.
- The foliage has been cut off before it has turned yellow: Wait for the bulb foliage to die back naturally before removing it. The same applies to spent flowers. The leaves will capture sunlight and perform photosynthesis, which will help the bulb for future growth and flowering.
- Insufficient growing conditions: Plant bulbs suited to your climate. Choose a spot with good drainage and the amount of sunlight the bulb needs. Most bulbs require at least six hours of sunlight.
- Lack of nutrients: Add compost and manure to improve the soil and give it a good structure for the bulbs. Extra organic supplements can add nutritional balance.
- Unexpected frost: Rapidly changing weather conditions can trick bulbs. You can add a layer of mulch to protect the bulbs from the elements. Covering the soil surface with 2–3 inches of wood chips, bark, straw, pine needles, or fallen leaves will protect early shoots from freezing temperatures.
Read more: Protecting Flower Bulbs That Come Up Too Early
The Bulbs Grow Tall
- Too much fertilizer: In the first year, flower bulbs contain all the nutrients they need to bloom, but you can help them by giving them extra fertilizer. Avoid overfertilizing the bulbs, and follow the instructions on the label.
- Lack of sunlight: Ensure you have planted the bulbs in a location that gets enough sunlight (depending on the species) and is not blocked by tall trees or buildings.
The Bulbs Grow Short
The soil is too compact: Improve compact soil by adding compost and peat moss.
Bulbs planted too late in the season: Plant spring-flowering bulbs in the fall, from September through December, before the ground freezes. Summer bulbs should be planted in mid to late spring once the risk of frost has passed.
Insufficient growing conditions: Boost the growth with fertilizer, such as compost and manure, and make sure the bulbs get enough sunlight and water.
The Bulbs Go Downhill
- You have bought annuals: Annuals only grow for one season. Choose perennials, plants that come back yearly, often with more blooms than before.
- Overcrowding: Dig up, divide and replant bulbs during the next planting season to avoid overcrowding and ensure good performance.
- Insufficient growing conditions: Ensure the bulbs get the growing conditions they need, giving them the right amount of sunlight and water. Age can also explain why bulbs are going downhill.
- There are not enough nutrients: Add compost and manure to improve the soil and give it a good structure for bulbs. Extra organic supplements can also add nutritional balance.
How To Take Care Of Bulbs
Most bulbs are very easy to grow, and with the right care and optimal conditions, you can enjoy a beautiful flowering garden. To help you with this, we’ve published several growing and other guides on our blog, for example, the growing guide ‘How to grow Crocus’.
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