If your tulips are just starting to push through, now’s the time to check them carefully. Gardeners are being urged to look out for ‘tulip fire’, a fungal disease that can ruin spring displays and spread to neighbouring plants if it’s not spotted early.
Plant experts warn the disease thrives in cool, damp conditions, which are common in early spring. Once established, it can persist in soil and plant debris, returning year after year if it isn’t dealt with properly.
So what does it look like? The clue is in the name: ‘tulip fire’ gives plants a scorched, burned appearance.
Affected tulips may look as though they’ve been singed, with leaves shrivelling and wilting. Infected plants can also develop brown spots on leaves and stems, twisted or distorted growth, buds that fail to open properly, and bulbs that begin to rot beneath the soil.
Nick Wood, horticulture expert at GardeningExpress.co.uk, says: ‘Although it’s not incredibly common, “Tulip fire’”can spread quickly – especially during mild, wet weather.
‘But the earlier gardeners spot the warning signs, the better chance they have of protecting the rest of their display. If you notice distorted growth or brown spotting, act straight away. Removing affected plants quickly can stop the fungus spreading through the soil.’
Roger Anis//Getty Images
If you’ve had tulip fire before, experts also advise avoiding replanting tulips in the same soil for a few seasons, as fungal spores can remain underground for years.
Below are five expert-backed steps to help protect your tulips this spring.
1. Remove infected plants immediately
If you spot signs of tulip fire, lift the affected bulbs along with the surrounding soil and dispose of them safely. Avoid composting them, as this can spread the fungus further.
2. Improve air circulation
Tulips need space. When planting, don’t cram bulbs too tightly together — better airflow reduces dampness around leaves and stems, making it harder for fungus to take hold.
IsabelPavia//Getty Images
3. Water carefully
Water at soil level rather than over the foliage. Keeping leaves dry helps prevent fungal spores spreading.
4. Clear away debris
Old leaves and dead flowers can harbour spores through winter. Tidying beds regularly reduces the risk of tulips starting the season with fungal debris nearby.
I love Photo and Apple.//Getty Images
5. Rotate planting areas
If tulip fire has appeared in one patch before, move bulbs to a fresh spot for the next season or two to reduce the risk from lingering soil spores.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest
The Garden Edit
2 Pack Striped Outdoor Seat Pads
Marcy 2-Seater Sling Garden Sofa, GreigeCredit: John Lewis
Natural Scalloped Rattan Outdoor Table LampCredit: Next
Habitat 60 Lucinda Metal Nesting Garden Tables – Blue & Green
Now 30% Off
Credit: Habitat
Scalloped Edge Smooth Fibre Clay Plant PotCredit: Dunelm
Garden Trading Rive Droite Bistro Set Large Thistle Green
Now 20% Off
Credit: Garden Trading
Comments are closed.