Alstroemeria pelegrina - fast!

[Diane Whitehead]

On January 7 I sowed various Alstroemeria seeds from Chileflora.  Twelve
days later, A. pelegrina germinated.  Today, three weeks later, the seedlings
are 15 cm high.

Is it normal for this species to be so fast?

There is no sign of germination of the others: leporina, ligtu ssp incarnata,
and presliana.

[Ezeiza]

If it is true it is one of the difficult ones, coming from the forst free Chilean north. I have found it sensitive to even the slightest frosts, when tenths of other species of Alstroemerias look indifferent to winter chill.

[Diane Whitehead]

I saw it growing on the beach at Pichidangui.  I loved the curled leaves (and
the beautiful flowers).  However, I know I can't grow it outside here.

Here it is growing on the beach, and the leaves are very short, though I was
told they lengthen later.  It seems odd that my seedlings are growing so tall.
Of course, we don't have bright days here in the winter, but I have them
growing under a fluorescent light.

The leaves of my seedlings are bright green and shiny, so that is the same
as the ones on the beach. 

[Ezeiza]

Yes, the flowers are typical.

[Lesley Cox]

Mine, under cover, grows to about 40 cms in height. I didn't realize it could be so short and compact. Maybe too much frost here too but I'll try some outside through the winter. Then there's a beautiful white form....

[fleurbleue]

And mine, sown in January 2011 are now about 15 cm high and each plant repotted last summer with several stems. I know Lesley there is a very   beautiful white pelegrina  ... 

[Lesley Cox]

I had it once...

[Ezeiza]

...but lost it to the frost.

[Lesley Cox]

Well no, really, it got too dry and shrivelled up. By the time I realized, the roots were like ancient string and too late to save it. Frost is almost never a problem here, we just don't get enough to bother the plants I grow. In the -3 to -6C range and rarely at the colder end, and only outside of course. The tunnel where I have such things is virtually always frost-free. Dryness is another matter because although the rain comes through the knitted cover as a fine mist, the trees behind the tunnel to the south keep much of the rain off and while I'm assuming the rain has been enough, in fact the back of the tunnel along its 12 metre length is quite dry. I have most such losses in winter when I'm not on daily water watch.

[Diane Whitehead]

Nicole and Lesley,

Did your plants have curly leaves like the ones I photographed on the beach?

[Lesley Cox]

Mine did, but elongated. I mean the stem was elongated so the curls were further apart if you see what I mean. The leaves twist around so that the underside faces upwards.

[fleurbleue]

Diane, I can say the same as Lesley !