Tips For Producing Alstroemeria
September 5, 2012 
Princess Lilies is a premium series of genetic dwarf alstroemeria varieties developed by Royal Van Zanten. They can be used for patio containers or put directly in the garden for landscape purposes. Princess Lilies alstroemeria flower the whole summer until the frost comes in. They are low-maintenance, tender perennials, hardy to USDA Zone 7, and if mulched properly, Zone 6 as well. Tubers can also be overwintered dry in peat in any cool, dark place. Consumers recognize Princess Lilies from cutflower alstroemeria, which is a popular and colorful flower in mixed bouquets.
Varieties
Princess Lilies are available in 16 different colors ranging from red, white and yellow to pink. The top three are Theresa, Letizia and Eliane. All varieties will have a max height of 16 inches without the use of PGRs.
PGRs have a negative effect on the flower formation. Tissue-culture-propagated plants are delivered in 50-cell liners from various locations. Sales of liners are available through Ball Seed and Fred C. Gloeckner.
Growing
Most used are 8-inch pots, but anything from 6- to 10-inch pots is possible. Use only one plug per container. It will eventually fill the whole pot. The top of the plug should be planted just below the soil surface.
Use a coarse-grained peat mixture or a peat-coconut fiber mix (60 percent/40 percent, respectively).
Princess Lilies are heavy feeders. Recommended pH is 6.0 to 6.5. A base fertilizer 0.6 EC or use of a slow-release fertilizer is suggested. After planting, use two weeks of clean water only. From week three onward, start to increase the amount of fertilizers (use water with an EC of 1.5 mS [N-K ratio: 2-1]. When the plant is well-rooted, the EC may be increased further to 2.0 mS. Keep pot-soil moist at all stages, as dryness causes yellow leaves and reduced growth.
Temperature
Start at 60°F for a period of three weeks to develop a good root system. After the start, 50°F to 55°F is ideal. Greenhouse temperatures over 75°F delay flower initiation and create blind shoots.
Scheduling
Growers in southern areas use November/December plantings for early spring flowering. Growers in northern areas use December or January planting for May flowering.
Pests And Diseases
Princess Lilies are strong against fungi or most other pests and diseases. Watch for slugs.
Princess Lilies
• Premium dwarf alstroemeria series
• Large orchid-like, colorful flowers
• Great endurance (flowers until frost)
• 16 varieties available
• Consumer recognition alstroemeria cutflowers
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