Are you a fan of romantic flower name origins, and you just assume that something called Alstroemeria must have one? Then it may be a bit of a letdown that Alstroemeria was just a man’s name, though it might help that he was an 18th century Swedish baron! Whichever name you choose – Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Inca, this Andean beauty is sure to delight your customers!

Resembling a small lily, Alstroemeria is native to South America. Since the aforementioned baron brought its seeds to Europe in the 1750s, it has been cultivated in Australia, the Canary Islands, the United States, Madeira, Mexico, and New Zealand. With many hybrids and nearly 200 cultivars, Alstroemeria comes in just about every color except blue.

Part of the Alstroemeria’s popularity stems from breeding that has crossed the summer-growing Brazilian and the winter-growing Chilean species, producing year-round availability and enjoyment. In addition to wide availability, vase life is another Alstroemeria plus. A long-lived perennial in the garden and flowerpot, cut stems can last up to two weeks in the vase – with proper care and handling, of course!

Alstroemeria Care and Handling Tips:

PURCHASING

• Know the flower’s origination and cultivar.
• Determine if blooms have been stored wet or dry.
• Make sure to check that your supplier has treated the product with an ethylene action inhibitor, such as EthylBloc™.
• Avoid stems with leaf yellowing.
• Choose flowers that are still closed but not tight.

PROCESSING

• Start with a clean bucket, sanitized with D.C.D.® cleaner.
• Fill buckets with cool water mixed with flower food solution according to manufacturer’s recommendation. Do not put flowers directly into metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, good quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Remove foliage below solution level.
• Cut or don’t cut stems if using Floralife® Express Technology and be sure to Quick Dip. If not, then re-cut stems approximately 1” using clean, sanitized clippers or knife.
• Place flowers in prepared container.
• Allow a minimum of 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow. 2 – 4 hours if flowers are limp or exhibiting bent neck.
• Always remember FIFO when rotating Alstroemeria or any other flowers.

STORAGE

• Place Alstroemeria in a 34 – 38˚ F cooler with 80 – 90% humidity.

To learn more about best practices from the experts in flower care, visit www.floralife.com