Agro- techniques for production of cut flowers and planting material of Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrids)

   Introduced in the country as a new cut flower crop. Also known as Inca and Peruvian lily. Some of the varieties have found to grow well under sub- temperate conditions of HP viz., Aladdin, Amor, Capri, Cinderella, Pluto, Rosita, Serena, No. 14 and Tiara varieties to grow. Gaining popularity in Indian flower market due to its long stem flowers, prolonged vase life and various colour and shades of petals, generally having lavender, maroon, white, orange, yellow, pink, red and purple colours.

    Prefers locations having cool temperature, free from water logging and strong winds. Does not prefer direct sunlight

    Well drained sandy loam soils with pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 are preferred. For quality flower production optimum day temperature between 18- 22 ^oC and night temperature between 12- 16 ^oC. Sufficient light (5000 ft candles) is important to prevent bud abortion and improve the quality of flowering shoots. Relative humidity between 65 to 85 % is preferred. 

    Propagated by division of rhizomes. From one year old plant 10- 15 and from a two year old plant 20- 25 planting size rhizomes can be obtained. Planted in 1 meter wide beds in two rows at 50 cm spacing. The plant to plant distance within the row should be 30- 50 cm. The best planting time in mid hills is July to September

   Requires quality irrigation water having salt content not more than 10 micro mol per litre. Top 30 cm of soil should be continuously kept moist. Regular fertilization 450 mg N and 300- 450 mg K per plant per week is required. Thinning of undesirable shoots (30 % of shoots) on a monthly basis from the production plot. Flowering shoots emerge after 5 to 6 months of planting and takes further 25- 35 days to flower. The stage of flower harvesting mainly depends upon the distance of flower market

     Can produce 50- 75 flowering shoots per plant per year under polyhouse.

Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,Post Box No. 6 Palampur (H.P.) 176061 INDIA Tel: +91-1894-230742-43 Fax: +91-1894-230433
E-mail:director@ihbt.res.in