How to Grow Alstroemeria from Seed

 

 How to Grow Alstroemeria from Seed  

                                 

                                                  

 Alstroemeria is a bulbous flowering plant which is commonly known as Inca lily or Peruvian lily. The origin of this flowering plant of the Alstroemeriaceae family is South America. It has about 50 species which are rhizomatous perennials in nature. Food material is collected in their modified roots (Rhizome). It has flowers of many colors which remain fresh for a long time. Alstroemeria is also among the ten major cut flowers sold in the world market. It can be easily grown in open gardens and pots. In India, Alstroemeria is being cultivated on a commercial scale in the Nilgiri region and Bangalore.

 

Important Species and Cultivars of Alstroemeria

 

(I) Alstroemeria aurantiaca - Its flowers grow in clusters of 10-30 in the form of compound umbel on a flowering stem of 60-120 cm height. The bright yellow flowers have green outer parts and brown spots on the inner parts.

(ii) Alstroemeria pelegrina - Its flowers grow on a stalk of 20-30 cm height. The size of the flower is about 5 cm and the colour is red. The inner flowers have reddish purple spots.

(iii) Alstroemeria hookeri - Its flower stem is 45-60 cm high on which flowers are present in open clusters. The colour of the flower is orange-red with the upper petals being spotted red or yellow.

(iv) Alstroemeria 'margaret' - This variety of Peruvian lily has a flower stalk 60-100 cm high on which deep red and whorl-shaped flowers grow in clusters.

(v) Alstroemeria 'Ligtu hybrid' - This variety has a flower stalk 60-100 cm high on which mixed flowers of pink, yellow and orange colour grow.

 How to Grow Alstroemeria  

Following are the varieties of Peruvian lily according to flower colour -

Red flowered varieties - Carmen, King Cardinal, Red Sunset, Valiant.

Pink flowered varieties - Capital, Fiona, Olympic, Trident, Veronica.

Red purple flowered varieties - Marina, Purple Joy, Sunstar, Valeria.

Orange yellow flowered varieties - Harlequin, Sunrise, Canaria, Friendship, Orchid, Zebra, Yellow king. White flowered varieties – Amanda, Monalisa, White Wings.

 

Climate and Soil

Alstroemeria is a plant of cool subtropical climate. It grows and flowers very well where the temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C. Partial shaded places with abundant organic matter in the soil and proper drainage system are best for it.

Propagation of alstroemeria by seeds

Alstroemeria can also be grown through seeds. First, healthy plants are prepared from alstroemeria seeds in the nursery and then they are planted. Seeds are sown in the nursery in the month of October and after 4-6 weeks the prepared plants are planted in the field or pots.

Propagation and Planting

Alstroemeria is propagated by seeds and rhizome cuttings. Micro propagation method is also very successful in this. Once planted, flowers are obtained from Alstroemeria for 3–4 years. Rhizomes should be planted at a distance of 50 x 40 or 60 x 50 cm. Its rhizomes are very harmful due to soil borne diseases, hence the media should be sterilized before planting.

  How to Grow Alstroemeria Plants  

Manures and fertilizers  – Since it is a tuberous crop, there should be sufficient amount of organic matter in the soil. While preparing the field, compost manure should be mixed well at the rate of 20-25 tonnes per hectare. Adding super phosphate to the soil before planting the rhizomes strengthens the roots. A solution of 100-200 ppm calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate should be poured near the roots of the plants at an interval of 15 days.

 

Harvesting of flowers - Since the flower stem of Alstroemeria is quite tall, support is required to keep the plant and the stem upright. Plants and flowers should be supported by digging a wooden stake near each flower stem or by pulling a wire near all the plants planted in a row.

When the flowers at the bottom of the flower cluster start showing colour, the flowers should be cut along with the stem. Cut-flowers are stored at a temperature of 2°C to 4°C. Adding Silver Thio Sulphate (STS) to the vase solution increases the vase-life of the flower.

 Insect-pests and discase control  - Aphid, white fly and spider mite are the main pests that attack Alstroemeria. To control aphids and white flies, 2 ml/l solution of Rogor or Metasystox should be sprayed. To control spider mites, 1.5-2 ml/l solution of Kelthane or Dimecron is effective.

 How to Grow Alstroemeria from Seed  

Pythium and Rhizoctonia fungi damage its rhizomes. Pythium fungus causes rotting in the new fleshy rhizomes of rhizomes, while Rhizoctonia fungus causes rotting in the roots of mature and small plants. To prevent these, the soil should be decontaminated. When the disease occurs, spraying a fungicide containing copper in the soil is effective. If the humidity is high, a fungus called Botrytis damages the flowers. To prevent this, irrigation of the plants should be stopped. The damage caused by this fungus can also be prevented by providing adequate sunlight and ventilation.