"Alstroemeria"    

Growing Alstroemeria Plants in Pots

Your Alstroemerias need fairly large pots to provide plenty of room for the rhizomatous roots. They are easy to look after, providing they have sunlight, a good potting mix, good drainage, and regular watering.

During the summer, an average of 62 to 68 degrees F (17 to 20 deg.C ) is an excellent temperature for the growth of Alstroemerias. Cool nights and keeping the soil as cool as possible are desirable for high-quality plants.

Growing Alstroemeria Outside Planted in       the Garden

Alstroemerias grow from tuberous roots or rhizomes to a height of 2 to 4 feet (60-120cm). There are about 60 species. They produce 2-inch (5cm) flowers borne in clusters and in an array of colors on top of long stems. Flowering profusely from late spring to early or mid-summer, the delicate blooms may continue to open as the leaves start to yellow and die.

It is better to buy a pot grown plant rather than one grown in a bag. Their roots are quite fragile and brittle and so easily damaged in a bag by rough handling.

Alstroemerias should be grown in a well-drained, fertile, acidic to neutral soil. The soil needs to be kept moist. They like a warm, sunny location, but in a hot climate they are best in partial shade. Loosen the soil where you intend to plant. Plant 12 inches (30cm) apart with the roots well spread out, taking care not to damage them.

Planting depth depends on how cold your area is in winter and whether or not you intend digging up your plants for protection over winter. In mild areas the roots can be set 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5cm) below the surface. In colder places the tuberous roots need to be protected from frost by planting about 8 inches (20cm) deep and mulching in the winter. If you are going to dig up your plants for winter they will not need such deep planting and so will be easier to move.

In colder areas it is better to grow Alstroemerias in containers and move them indoors for the winter. You can dig up your plants and store them in damp sand or peat - keeping them cool, but frost-free. Don't let them dry out. However, because their roots are quite delicate, brittle, and easily damaged, this needs to be done very carefully. You need to dig quite deep.

Provide some support for the taller growing types. When your Alstroemeria plants are in full summer bloom you may like to remove the blind shoots - short stems with no developing flower - to promote more blossom. But you must not do this at other times.

If you want to gather some Alstroemeria flowers for the home remember to pull the flowers so that they come away right down at the base of the plant. Grasp the stem at the soil line and gently pull so that it comes away cleanly from the rhizome. Pick just before the first bud opens. This helps your plants to keep vigorous, and will stimulate new flowering stems faster than if the stems were cut off and the bases left to die down. Remove old flower stems in the same way.

Take care when handling Alstroemerias. Some people have experienced an allergic dermatitis reaction, so gloves may be necessary.

Use a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season. You can use tomato feed. Give an annual top dressing of compost or manure each spring.

Alstroemerias are not very susceptible to disease. Aphids, thrips, spider mites, slugs, caterpillars, white flies and nematodes can cause problems.

Propagation

Your Alstroemerias can be increased by division of the clumps in early spring. Carefully plant the delicate roots into fine, soft, rich soil and reasonably deep. Seeds can also be sown in march or april.

Types of Alstroemeria

The hybrid 'Orange King' has bright orange flowers on tall stems and is relatively hardy. 'Sweet Laura' is fragrant, and bright yellow with orange and black stripes and spots.'Pacific Sunset' varies from white to pink to yellow.'Freedom' is a large, red and white bicolor.

Alstroemeria psittacina ( also known as Alstroemeria pulchella and Spider Lily) has narrow tubular deep red blooms with green tips in mid summer. The fine foliage makes a great groundcover.

Astroemeria litgu has grey-green foliage and many hybrids in different colours.

Inca Alstroemerias are a new dwarf, low growing group ideal for modern courtyard gardens or pots. With a height between 6 to 20 inches (15-50 cm) they come in assorted colors.

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