Avoid a wet mulch, overwatering and high rates of nitrogen fertilizer. Fertilize based on a soil test. Keep tulip beds weeded to increase circulation. Dig the bulbs in dry weather and not later than three weeks after the petals have fallen. Remove the stems and handle the bulbs with care.
Infection occurs more easily on bruised and cut bulbs than on undamaged bulbs.
Dry and clean the bulbs promptly after digging and before storing in thin layers in a dry, well-ventilated location. Examine all bulbs carefully before storage and again before planting. Discard all diseased, bruised, and cut ones. When tulips come up in late winter or early spring, carefully remove all infected plants and plant parts as soon as they are noticed. Place in a paper bag or other covered container, and burn them.