Examine the bulbs you purchased this fall and any tender bulbs you are planning to store over winter for fusarium bulb rot. Fusarium bulb rot persists in the soil for an indefinite period of time, causes leaves to yellow, and can lead to the premature death of your plants. Bulbs with fusarium bulb rot will have few or no roots and may fall apart in your hand. Throw away any infected bulbs along with the six inches of soil surrounding the bulb.
When storing bulbs, dry them out quickly and be careful not to bruise them. Check stored bulbs periodically for chocolate, blue- gray, or purple-brown spongy decay that is visible when you pull back the outer papery covering of the bulb. You may see white fungal strands as well. Rotate tender bulb plantings yearly to help prevent diseases from building up in the soil.
