Outdoor Growth and Flowering Patterns of Alstroemeria in Kenya. Citation:

Abstract

In studies conducted to evaluate the outdoor growth and flowering patterns of Alstroemeria cvs. “Carmen”, “Marina” and “Pink Perfection” for cut flower production, propagated rhizomes sprouted 9-10 days after planting in all cultivars. “Pink Perfection” produced significantly more total shoots (vegetative plus reproductive) than “Marina” and “Carmen”. “Carme n”, “Pink Perfection” and “Marina” started flowering19, 30 and 35 weeks after planting, respectively. The number and % flowering shoots were high in “Carmen” followed by “Pink Perfection” and “Marina” in that order. The average length of the inflorescence produced by ”Pink Perfection”, “Marina” and “Carmen” were 94.3, 82.9 and 47.0 cm, respectively. Peak production of marketable cut flowers occurred 31, 40 and 44 weeks after planting for “Carmen”, “Pink Perfection” and “Marina”, respectively. Mature vegetative shoots were distinguishable from flowering ones by having significantly greater leaf angles and number of leaves on the stem 15cm below the terminal bud.