Alstromeria

Hi folks. Around six months ago I sowed some Alstromeria seed which took an age to germinate. Anyway, having reached a size suitable for potting on, today I did so. Would I be right in assuming that the best thing to do with them now is to just keep them in the greenhouse to overwinter before planting out in spring ? If so, does the greenhouse need to be kept frost free ? One more thing, once planted out, can they be left in the garden permanently ? Cheers...freddy.

 

Basically, Freddy, yes, yes and no.:gnthb:

 

Errmmm ... not sure my answers are the same as DTP's. I would keep them in the greenhouse (I planted some seed in the spring, it only germinated a few weeks ago). I will keep my little plants in the greenhouse overwinter. I reckon they would be find in a cold greenhouse, but saying that I don't think my outdoor ones have any leaf on them, whereas my seedlings do, so maybe something frost-free is needed.

I'll then just plant them outside and leave them - my understanding is they hate being disturbed.

 

Thanks guys. Actually kristen, it sounds like you and Dai are in unison on this, so success is assured :thumb:

 

They are fairly tender, so don`t let them get frosted.

 

Oops. I just saw the the comment about being 'disturbed' I assume they have a degree of tenderness ?

 

Ahh, ok Dai :thumb:

 

Fred, they are what would be classed as tender perennials.:gnthb:

 

Tender yes but hardy here, is all I can say.
Also invasive, but not badly so.

 

My sister lives in Devon, where she has Alstroemeria aurea (gold coloured), which is invasive for her. Are the others also invasive Pete? - I assumed it was just A. aurea that was invasive.

 

So guys, I have alstromeria and need to know do I need to bring them in? They are new to me this year, never had them before so don`t know what to do. I was going to leave them outside

 

I've only ever grown one kind Peter so cant really say:dh:

But its one of the shorter types and it does creep, so I guess the larger types might be a bit more vigorous.

Lollypop, well drained and in the ground I think you may well get away with it, in a container perhaps not.

 

I`ll risk it then Pete I think. I like to grow things hard, if they can`t cope then they aren`t for me. They are very good flowerers-last for ages.

 

Overwinter them in the greenhouse this year, but once planted out leave them!

 

"I have alstromeria and need to know do I need to bring them in?"

If you planted bulbs I would leave them (you are in Kent, that's further South than me, and I don't bring mine in).

If you have seedlings with soft lush top growth I would bring them in.