| I have been purchasing from the supermarket a wonderful cut flower, that lasts 3 weeks! I am told that the name of the flower is ALSTROEMERIA. I would like more information on this plant, especially can I grow it in my Massachusetts garden this summer? And if so where can I obtain the seeds, bulbs, tubers, etc.? |
| Alstroemeria is a member of the lily family, and grows best in gardens in mild winter climates of the Southwest. You can grow them indoors under artificial light, or purchase potted plants in the spring and pop them into the garden for summer bloom. They won't winter over in your climate, though, so you'll need to treat them as annuals. Alstromeria will set seed, however, so they may come up again if you plant them in your garden. The plants produce clumps of roots and do not like to be disturbed, so instead of transplanting directly into the garden, sink the pot into the soil. A local florist or garden center with a large variety of houseplants should be able to get an alstroemeria plant for you. If that fails, you can purchase seeds from Cyberseeds, PO Box 171102, San Antonio, TX 78217-1102. |
