How to Grow Alstroemerias
Alstroemeria
Peruvian lilies thrive in full sun (or light shade) and freely drained, fertile soil with shelter from cold winds. They’re long-flowering perennials: pull spent flowering stems from the base during summer to prompt more blooms, then clear old growth in early spring. Divide congested clumps to refresh vigor and multiply plants. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter on heavy soils; mulch lightly to buffer moisture and temperatures.
When to Start
Sow indoors 7 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced feed in spring. Mulch with compost.
- One of the best cut flowers — long vase life. Pull, don't cut, stems. Can take a year to establish.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–22°C
Pet Safety
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 80 cm |
| Mature spread | 50 cm |
Spreads via rhizomes to form clumps. Give them ample space to naturalize. Spacing can be increased to 50 cm for larger varieties.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Ragged holes in young shoots and leaves. Slime trails on foliage and surrounding soil. New growth can be destroyed before it emerges.
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate) around emerging shoots in spring
- Use beer traps or copper tape around clumps
- Encourage hedgehogs, frogs, and ground beetles
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around plants
Pest Red Spider Mite
Identification: Fine stippling on upper leaf surfaces. Leaves become dull and bronzed. Fine webbing visible on undersides in severe infestations.
- Introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis under glass
- Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Spray with a miticide if biological control is insufficient
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black insects on shoot tips and flower buds. Sticky honeydew and distorted growth.
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Spray with a pyrethrin-based insecticide if infestations are severe
Disease Alstroemeria Mosaic Virus Alstroemeria mosaic virus (AlMV)
Symptoms: Yellow streaking or mottling on leaves. Distorted growth and reduced flowering. Plants gradually decline in vigour.
Treatment: No cure. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent spread. Do not propagate from affected stock.
Prevention: Buy virus-free stock from reputable nurseries. Control aphids which spread the virus. Sterilise tools between plants.
Disease Grey Mould Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey fungal growth on flowers, stems, and leaves, especially in damp conditions. Affected tissue turns brown and rots.
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected material promptly. Improve air circulation around plants.
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Space plants well. Remove dead foliage promptly. Ensure good ventilation under glass.
Disease Root Rot Pythium spp.
Symptoms: Yellowing foliage, wilting despite moist soil, and mushy brown rhizomes when lifted.
Treatment: Lift affected clumps, cut away rotten rhizomes, and replant healthy sections in fresh, well-drained soil.
Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage at planting time. Add grit to heavy clay soils. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–22°C |
| Base growth temperature | 8°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Alstroemerias?
- Plant Alstroemerias 30cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When does Alstroemerias flower?
- Alstroemerias typically flowers approximately 75 days after transplanting.
- Is Alstroemerias frost hardy?
- Alstroemerias is classified as Half Hardy.
