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Are these hyacinths mouldy??

celcius_kkwcelcius_kkw Posts: 753
in Problem solving
Hi guys.. I bought a bunch of prepared hyacinths from J Parkers recently and I’ve noticed that they appear to be mouldy looking.. 



I’m referring to those blue/greyish bits.. should I contact them for a replacement??
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Plant them tomorrow. They’ll be fine. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    Yes, they are mouldy.
    I am curious what others will say.
    Because I plant mouldy bulbs all the time and they usually grow well (as long as they are still firm). It's usually my mistake, by the time I am ready to plant (perennials died back, some plants dormant, or planting tulips and daffodils together which is usually a bit too late for the daffs), many bulbs get a little bit mouldy. I would expect suppliers to have better storing conditions than I have but still, I wouldn't be surprised by mouldy bulbs later in the season or in the end of season sales. That doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for a replacement but it's possible they don't have anything better. Maybe a refund then.
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    It’s probably just the penicillium fungi, quite harmless. I sometimes buy bulbs at the end of the season with this type of mould, and they grow perfectly well.
  • celcius_kkwcelcius_kkw Posts: 753
    Thanks everyone.. I was really quite surprised that they looked like this when I opened the box.. if they’re likely to grow well regardless of the mould then I suppose I won’t bother asking for a replacement.. my worry obviously is if they don’t grow after planting (or end up rotting) then I might have missed the window for asking for replacement.. anyhow it seems unanimous here that i should plant them anyway so I shall see how it goes! 
  • Mike AllenMike Allen Posts: 208
    Rhis is quite common with Hyacinths and tulips.  It looks ugly and yuk.  It is fairly harmless.  Simply wipe off with a semi damp cloth.  I then give a dusting of flowers of sulpher.  Then plant as usual.  Thismold tends to attack subjects that have tht very thin whispy outer protection.  However if the bulbs, tubers ar continued to be delayed, store etc in this condition then the organisms within the mould will graduall penetrate into the body of the subject.  The treatment suggested does work and in most cases the bulbs will grow and flower.  Finally, at the end of the season. If you lift and save your bulbs.  Clean them thoroughly, dry them and give them the sulphur treatment.  Continue to check them during the dormant period.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I can vouch for the flowers of sulphur treatment, I use it on the begonia tubers if I cut any in half. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I only ever buy my bulbs from J.Parkers, they always arrive in plastic bags but lots of air holes in them. Sort of perforated. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • celcius_kkwcelcius_kkw Posts: 753
    Thanks for the replies everyone.. I don’t have any sulphur at hand currently.. and I’m a bit worried about the potential smell (thinking of rotten eggs) - as I will be growing them indoor and I live in an apartment.. 
  • Mike AllenMike Allen Posts: 208
    Actually I have never experienced the smell.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    They won’t smell ... honestly ... just wipe any powdery mould off gently and plant them ... today 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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