Get ready to elevate your outdoor garden with the breathtaking beauty of Alstroemeria! With its easy maintenance and an array of stunning varieties to choose from, your garden will soon become a haven of colour and charm.
Planting Calendar
The best time to plant Alstroemeria is when they are available instore, usually spring through to summer.
Prepare
Position
Alstroemeria look fantastic in a sunny border amongst other perennials and shrubs. They can also be grown in pots. Plant in a sunny position in fertile free draining soil.
Soil
When planted into the ground Alstroemeria prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Water well during the hotter months of the year. Do not over water as this could cause root rot.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Taller varieties may need staking and provided with some protection form wind. Protect from hungry slugs and snails by applying Quash around the plants, be sure to re-apply after rain.
Spraying
If needed to control aphids or caterpillars spray with Mavrik.
Pruning
Remove the entire stem after the flowers have died. Pull the whole stem gently from the base rather than cutting off the dead head and leaving the stem. This will encourage new shoots to emerge.
Expert Tip
Alstroemeria makes a great long lasting cut flower. To pick, remove the whole stem by pulling it from the base, then trim to fit the vase. Refresh the water every few days to keep flowers fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eating the new shoots on my plants?
It is likely to be hungry slugs and snails. Apply slug bait around the plants and re-apply after rain.
Best time to plant Alstroemeria?
Spring or early autumn, when temperatures are mild.
How often to water Alstroemeria?
Water well during the hotter months of the year. Do not over water as this could cause root rot.
How tall do Alstroemeria grow?
Most varieties reach between 30-90 cm in height.
How to fertilise Alstroemeria?
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.