Patented Alstroemeria
We’re testing out some special patented alstroemeria varieties that we imported from South Africa. This video explains the hoops we had to jump through to bring this project to fruition. We’re optimistic that the work we’re doing will lead to opportunities for more growers. We see new plant varieties open to sales to growers every year. It would be very cool to see some movement with these plants.
Some of the primary limitations of our work with these plants include:
The resale of any of the plants is prohibited.
Propagation in any form (from divisions, cuttings, seeds, cross pollination) is strictly prohibited.
The plants can only be grown for the length of our contract period. At the end of that period the plants must be destroyed or grown under a new contract.
Any mutations must be reported and removed.
What makes alstroemeria good cut flowers?
They have a long vase life.
They are low-maintenance perennials
They have few pests and diseases.
They are prolific in their growth, spreading through rhizomes.
Things to look out for:
Alstroemeria can fall prey to mosaic virus. It can cause leaf streaking and yellowing. And broken flowers.
The virus can be spread through mechanical damage (cutting by infected tools during harvest) or through insect damage (aphids).
Alstroemeria require netting. Multiple layers of horizontal netting are recommended to help the the plants grow straight.
Want to try some alstroemeria now?
You’ll find a wide collection of non-patented varieties from Edelweiss Perennials. Remember that they are prolific growers that can be easily split and divided. If you can, I’d prioritize trying different varieties, with the knowledge that you’ll be able to multiply them in short order. I’d be confident dividing them at the end of summer and re-planting then. The more hardy alstroemerias are rated down to USDA zone 6. If you are colder than zone 6, you may want to lift some of your plants at the end of the growing season and store them in a protected place during the winter months.