Genetics can make stressed bulbs change color

Q. My beautiful apricot colored tulips seem to be turning red after a few years in the ground. Is there anything I can do to prevent the bulbs from changing color?A. It is important to understand that the original tulips, whose ancestral region is Turkey, look nothing like the Dutch tulips that we are accustomed to growing. By combining science and beauty, the Dutch bulb industry has created a spectacular range of hybrid tulips available for gardeners. However, it comes with a price.It is not unusual for hybrids, such as tulips, lilies, irises and daffodils, to turn a different color, even after blooming its intended color for several years. Hybrids are bred to produce a single generation with particular characteristics, such as color or size. Yet, the same genetic nature of these characteristics that make them so unusual also makes them more unstable. Consequently, the variegation that we see in most plants is only "skin deep" and can be overcome by the plant's true characteristics such as color and size. There are some preventive measures that can delay reverting colors. Blooms are more likely to turn a different color when the plant is stressed, such as too warm a growing environment, over fertilization, improper water or soil pH, or a toxic reaction to an insecticide or other chemicals.Q. I bought some African violets a few months back. The plants are doing well, but there is no sign of any flowers. Is there something that I can do to encourage blossoms?A. The secret to blooming African violets is light and humidity. Be sure they are near a bright window or fluorescent lights, and place the pot on a shallow tray filled with pebbles. Add just enough water to cover the pebbles. Some people keep their African violets in the bathroom, where the humidity is usually higher than the rest of their house. Keep plants evenly moist using lukewarm water. It is best to water from below since water on the leaves can cause leaf spot. Soil should not be soggy or dry extensively. Temperatures should be about 72 F. Temperatures should not go below 60 or above 80. Fertilize violets regularly. Any complete water-soluble fertilizer can be used. Avoid fertilizers containing urea since this may cause rootburn which reduces the ability of the African violet to properly absorb water and nutrients. Finally, most African violets do not continuously bloom, but prefer cycle where they bloom for three months, and rest for one month. bull; Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.