Q.

I have got daffodil rust which has now spread to other bulbs. How can I get rid of it?

Barbara Britton

A.

Daffodil rust isn't caused by a fungal disease but by a physiological disorder, that is, it is caused by things other than insect pests and diseases.
This could include adverse weather, the growing environment with wet heavy soils, low light levels, insufficient water, too much water, too much or not enough fertiliser.
Another cause of daffodil rust is herbicide damage, daffodil rust is sometimes called stem rust.
Fungicides are not effective against daffodil rust, it may not appear every season and is dependent upon growing conditions and how moisture retentive the soil is.
Make sure your bulbs are fertilised with a balanced fertiliser such as Tui Bulb Food, apply in early spring when the first flower buds appear and again when flowering has finished.
Depending upon where the bulbs are planted, mulching around the bulbs will help as this adds organic matter to the soil, and conserves soil moisture.
If the bulbs have been in the ground for a while, they may benefit from being lifted, divided and replanted.