Fritillaria purdyi saga

Diana Chapman rarebulbs@suddenlink.net
Tue, 29 May 2007 07:48:27 PDT
I, and a friend who has a wonderful collection of natives, have discussed 
this problem with California frits sort of melting.  It is a very common 
problem, and often occurs after repotting apparently healthy bulbs.  Large 
mature bulbs can also disappear, leaving tiny rice grains or offsets. 
Personally, I think it is because the bulb is vulnerable to fungal diseases, 
and the lack of a tunic makes it very susceptible to damage that may not be 
apparent to the naked eye.  I had a couple of e-mails regarding similar 
behavior with Lachenalias, the bulbs of which are similar to Fritillarias. 
I think it is advisable to treat such bulbs with a fungicide when repotting, 
but, even doing this, some disappear.  California fritillarias are very 
touchy bulbs, difficult to grow even in their native environment.

Diana
Telos Rare Bulbs 


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