Rotting bulbs, strange smells and those spots that appear just when you least expect them. It happens, even to the most experienced green thumbs, and sometimes all it takes is a small mistake to lose everything on a rainy night.
It happens more often than you might think: i bulbs put away carefully, ready to give flowers in the right season, they become soft or begin to darken at the sides. One moment they are there, round and firm as you left them, and the next day they sag, leaving dark trails on the bottom of the box. Pungent, almost sweetish odor. Some bring out mold, others just seem to “sweat”. Yet, it would not take much to intervene in time and save the harvest or at least part of it.
It’s not just a matter of rain or humidity in the air. Of course, autumn and spring are seasons at risk, with those sudden changes that bring condensation even inside the closet. But the real ones cause they are often more banal and… (sometimes) almost invisible.
Real causes of wilting in bulbs
Too many times we think that rainwater is enough to ruin everything. In reality, the fault of rotten or soft bulbs is to be found in the habits of those who store or plant them. The first mistake? Leave them for too long in poorly ventilated environments, perhaps stacked together without any space. In those cases, one diseased (or just bruised) bulb is enough to contaminate all the others in a few hours. Another detail goes unnoticed: the earth that remains attached. Often, when bulbs are harvested at the end of the season, they are not cleaned well, and residues of soil or small fragments of roots carry moisture. Thus, the water remains trapped around the bulb and triggers rotting. And when it often rains outside, the situation gets worse: it seems like we’re chasing a problem that always comes back the same.
A final real and very underestimated cause is temperatures: in the attic or garage, an unseasonal heat wave is enough for the bulbs to “sweat” and release water. There, mold and bacteria find their favorite environment. Sometimes you see a yellowish stain or a slimy film, which is difficult to remove even by rubbing.
How to recognize a bulb that is rotting
It’s not always noticeable right away. Often, to the touch, a bulb still seems hard, but if you look carefully, some details are not convincing. It changes color, usually near the base or sides. Then comes that sweet, sometimes acidic smell, which remains on the hands even after washing them. Someone talks about the “smell of rotten apples” (those who have been through it recognize it immediately).
Some practical signs:
- Soft or giving areas under the fingers
- Dark or yellow spots that spread
- Presence of white or green mold, especially among stacked bulbs
- Liquid that comes out when pressed (especially on lily and tulip bulbs)
- Slimy, almost transparent film
If you find only one rotten part, sometimes just cut away the affected area with a sharp knife (disinfecting the blade each time). But as soon as the damage expands, it is better to immediately separate the healthy bulbs from the suspect ones.
The quick way to save rotten bulbs
There is a system that many underestimate because it seems… too simple. All you need is a perforated plastic basket (like those for fruit) and some kitchen paper. Place the bulbs inside, without overlapping them, and leave everything in a ventilated place. Every day, check if the paper gets wet: if so, change it and turn the bulbs. For bulbs already affected by rot, a decisive action is needed: cut away the soft part with a very clean knife and leave the bulb in the air for 2–3 hours. If it remains dry and compact, it can be replanted. Some also use a little ground cinnamon on the cut part: it helps against mold and bacteria, and also leaves a curious scent.
It is better not to accumulate bulbs in large quantities, especially in the humid months. A few, well spaced, on dry paper or sand, and away the fear of rot. After all, just a few minutes a day are enough to avoid wasting months of work.
Yet, there are those who persist in preserving everything, as if every bulb were irreplaceable. But in reality, sometimes you just need to let go of the lost ones to save the rest. Thus, even in a rainy season, a small gesture changes the entire harvest.
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