Grey
Mold
What is it and how to avoid it
Grey mold or botrytis cinerea is a bacterial root disease that will develop on tulip roots and attack the bulb itself. Grey mold will then attack the stem and plant during the greenhouse phase.
Symptoms:
- Grey mold can be seen in the cooler during the winter months
- Grey puffy or fuzzy mold growing on drainage holes
- Slimy glazy roots in the bottom of the pot
Caused by:
- Long extended rooting time at 48 degrees causing excessive root formation at the bottom of the pot
- Ethylene gas build-up - Make sure your bulbs are stored in a well ventilated area or room. Your bulbs need to breath, otherwise your flowers may abort or dry up when in the greenhouse phase
- Too clean or sterile potting mix - The growing medium used by most growers is a straight artificial growing mix. These steamed and sterilized growing mixes are too clean. Tulips need a mix of sand and good quality top soil mix capable of fighting infection
Take These Steps to AVOID GREY MOLD:
- Always use new pots
- Use the proper growing mix as described above
- Root tulips until they just hit the bottom of the pot
- Follow temperature schedule as described in the Cooler Instructions