[rowlandwells]

I've picked your brains over growing zinnia now i would like some advise on growing alstroemeria from seed because my wife says its hard to grow from seed is she rite?

i read that alstroemeria are sensitive to root disturbance much like zinnia so would one grow these using the same method as zinnia i ask myself and according to the seed catalogue it takes alstroemeria 2 years to flower properly? there's only one variety in the seed catalogue Ligtu Hybrids the seeds would cost around £6.55 + vat for 60 seeds is it worth the challenge 

[Debz]

My mum has a variety in her garden but we don't know what it's called.  It's and orange flowering one and grows like a weed.  It sets its own seed all over the place and I have to keep pulling them out for her.  They are growing under azaleas so it's quite shady and a bit dry but this was is not difficult to grow.  Maybe some of the fancier varieties are a bit more picky about how and where they germinate.

[mrs bouquet]

I think that is lovely, I have tried to grow them with no success.   I note that you said growing under Azalea.  That suggests to me acid soil and ours is very chalky.    I must look that up. Sorry I don't know the variety, I would be happy with any      They are always the cut flower I am drawn to because they last so long.   Sorry, not a lot of help really.    Mrs Bouquet