Alstroemeria, otherwise known as Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a staple item in most coolers. Available year round in a mind-boggling variety of shades and colors, these delicate trumpet-shaped flowers make Alstroemeria an extremely versatile flower for a myriad of designs. Following a few simple steps, the right care and handling of this extremely hardy crop will ensure it enjoys an extensive vase life.
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Ethylene Sensitivity
Solution:
Most varieties are sensitive to ethylene. Symptoms include flower wilting, petal shattering, water-soaked appearance of petals and leaf yellowing. Risk of petal and flower drop can be reduced by using an ethylene action inhibitor product such as EthylBloc™* or FloraLife® EthylGuard*.
Problem:
Botrytis & Pathogen Sensitivity
Solution:
Disease can attack the tissue of the foliage, stems, and pedicels. Practice good disease control regime during growing phase. Do not over pack buckets with bunches to allow enough breathing room between stems and to avoid mechanical damage, as wounds are entrances for diseases. Also, respect the cold chain and avoid temperature fluctuations. Do not get water on or handle the flowers by their blooms.
Problem:
Prone to Physical / Mechanical Damage
Solution:
This crop is sensitive to mechanical damage. Do not over pack buckets and boxes and take care not to strap bunches too tightly as stems and foliage are soft and flower buds can break off easily.
Need to Know: Alstroemeria Helpful Hints
Properly Dosed and Mixed Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps blooms fully develop & open
- Helps Alstroemeria stay hydrated
- Results in longer vase life & better color retention
Keep them Fresh!
- Pre-treat at farm level with FloraLife® Bulb 100* to keep foliage green and use EthylBloc™ sachet* in boxes for protection against ethylene.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200.
- Line dry shipping boxes with FloraLife® Transport Paper.
- Cooler / storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C
- Processing recommendations at retail: Look for healthy green stems and foliage. There should be no physical damage or leaf yellowing. Medium water quality is best, avoid softened water.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers (packets): FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300*, FloraLife® Express Universal 300, or FloraLife® Universal 300. For this crop in particular, flower food is especially important to keep petal color from fading over the course of their vase life.
Performance
- Alstroemeria has an average vase life of 7-14 days.
- Opens steadily then holds, ambient temperature will affect how quickly flowers bloom.
- Foliage or leaf yellowing can be prevented by properly conditioning product with FloraLife® Bulb 100* at farm level. This product contains gibberelins and cytokinin to avoid leaf yellowing.
- Alstroemeria can be mixed with most other flowers without any negative or harmful effects.
- Because stems are soft, handle carefully when designing in foam. Use a lower density foam like OASIS® Springtime for easier stem insertion. Always cut at a sharp angle before inserting into foam. Check water levels or foam periodically to be sure flowers stay hydrated.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch or FloraLife® Crowning Glory* spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
FIFO
- FIFO (First in First Out) inventory rotation is always our recommendation to ensure the best possible experience for consumers. Following strict cold chain protocol, Alstroemeria can be stored up to 5 days.
Have questions? We have answers! Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representative to schedule an in-person consultation for expert advice!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.