What Is Wrong With My Snowdrops?

Are the snowdrop seedlings dying?

Is the foliage distorted, and the bulbs have rotted?

Are the plants stunted and yellowed?

Are the leaves covered with tan, fuzzy growth?

If the seedlings are dying the probable cause is a damping-off disease. Damping-off is caused by various soil fungi. Damaged seedlings can't be healed so, the best course of action is to remove them. To prevent damping-off let the soil surface dry between waterings, thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding and do not add nitrogen fertilizers until plants have developed leaves.

Likely cause for these symptoms are insects - Bulb mites. These, almost microscopic insects feed on plants' corms and bulbs. Severely infested bulbs should be dug up and destroyed. Don't replant snowdrops in infested soil. To destroy bulb mites in infested bulbs, dip them into 120°F hot water for a few minutes.

Stunted and yellowed plants with roots that have lesions on them are caused by Nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic, wormlike creatures that attack leaves and roots of violets. To prevent nematodes mulch regularly with compost to ensure that soil organic matter levels remain high. Heavily infested plants can only be removed and replaced with some other plant species.

Tan, fuzzy growth on leaves often indicate fungal disease - Gray mold. Remove and destroy all moldy leaves. Thin plants to ensure good airflow around them and to reduce moisture around leaves. The application of compost tea spray will help in control. Sulfur spray should be used if the disease is severe or the weather is wet and cool.

If the bulbs are gnawed, unearthed, or eaten the culprits are most likely rodents. Mice or voles often use moles tunnels to get to the bulbs. Control these animals by lining your planting holes with small baskets of 1/4-inch hardware cloth cut to fit.