Do you dream of having a stunning bouquet of alstroemeria on your kitchen table every week during the flowering season? If so, the answer lies in creating your own cutting garden! Not only does it provide you with a regular supply of fresh flowers, but it also offers a range of benefits. Let’s explore why starting an alstroemeria cutting garden is a fantastic idea.
Thriving Alstroemeria: Pick and Watch Them Grow
Alstroemeria thrives on being picked. In fact, the more you pick them, the more they grow! By using the “tugging” method of picking, you not only encourage new blooms to emerge but also keep them free from dying debris. This technique ensures a continuous supply of vibrant flowers for your cutting garden.
An Abundance of Variety
Having your own alstroemeria cutting garden allows you to enjoy a greater variety of flowers than what may be available in stores. You can handpick the specific colors and varieties that resonate with you, ensuring a unique selection that reflects your taste and style.
A Journey of Garden Discovery
Creating a cutting garden is not just about producing beautiful blooms. It also provides an opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of plants and learn what thrives in your own garden. Experimenting with different growing conditions, soil types, and care techniques can enhance your gardening knowledge and transform you into a true green-thumb enthusiast.
An Affordable Blooming Haven
Maintaining your own cutting garden is an affordable way to continually adorn your home with fresh flowers. Alstroemeria, with their long stems, make an elegant statement as vase-dwelling blooms. By having a never-ending supply of these gorgeous flowers, you can create stunning arrangements for any occasion without breaking the bank.
Perennials: A Yearly Delight
Alstroemeria, as perennials, come back year after year, ensuring a constant supply of flowers during the blooming season. With proper care, these resilient plants can provide joy and beauty for years to come. For those who prefer to have alstroemeria flowers all year round, planting them in pots within a greenhouse is the perfect solution.
Encouraging Beneficial Insects
In addition to their beauty, alstroemeria flowers attract beneficial insects that play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem in your garden. By growing these flowers, you are contributing to the well-being of your local environment and fostering biodiversity.
Creating Your Alstroemeria Cutting Garden:
To ensure the success of your alstroemeria cutting garden, follow these essential tips:
- Choose a sheltered spot in your garden that receives partial sun and shade.
- Alternatively, consider growing them in pots to contain their spread and maintain easier control.
- Extend their flowering season by moving the pots into a greenhouse or conservatory during winter.
- Feed your alstroemeria plants weekly during the growing season (May to September) using a high-potash fertilizer.
- Ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering, as alstroemeria prefers a soil environment without excessive moisture.
- Support taller varieties and prevent breakage by spacing them out and providing suitable supports.
- Keep your growing bed to a width of 1.2m or less for easy picking. However, if you are tall or flexible, you can adjust accordingly.
- Deadhead your alstroemeria after the flowering season using the same “tugging” method mentioned earlier. This practice promotes plant health, prevents disease, and encourages further blooming.
The Art of Picking Alstroemeria
While it’s commonly referred to as a “cutting garden,” alstroemeria requires a different approach when it comes to picking. Instead of using secateurs, use the gentle “tugging” method to remove the stem entirely from the root. This technique ensures a clean break and prevents disease-causing debris from accumulating at the base.
Additional Tips for Picking Alstroemeria:
- Choose a cool day or morning to pick your flowers, as they may appear droopy in hot weather.
- Have a bucket of water nearby to place the stems immediately after picking.
- Before placing them in a vase, remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water and add a small amount of Milton to prevent fungal growth and extend their vase life.
- Trim the stems and change the water every 2 to 3 days to keep the flowers fresh and vibrant.
Now that you have all the necessary knowledge, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of your own alstroemeria cutting garden. Treat yourself to the simple pleasure of gazing at these magnificent blooms while sipping a cup of tea. Your eyes and mind will thank you for this delightful experience.
