PlantFiles: Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria pelegrina

This plant is ridiculously easy to grow in my zip code 92646. We started with two plants and now they have propogated themselves all around the yard. It is fast becoming a weedy pest. However, they are pretty and easy-care, so I'll let them be for now. On hot days when the seed pods are ripe, just the slightest touch makes the pod explode open with a pop. Lots of times they pop on their own. They seem to favor sites that are bright, but with only a couple of hours of direct sunlight a day.

This pretty Alstroemeria species reaches up to 50cm (20”), loves full sun, slightly moist soil, tolerates salty soil and coastal winds, since it is endemic to a small portion of our seaside, but does not tolerate frost. It is recommended to moisten the foliage from time to time. This species will benefit from late winter fertilizing.

Propagation from seeds: during autumn, using a mix of equal parts of compost and one portion of sharp river sand. Cover the sowing mix with a fine layer of sharp river sand, distribute the seeds and do not cover them – just press them gently against the sand. It can occur that the seed emerges from the soil when it germinates. In such case, do neither press it back into the soil nor cover it with more sand – leave it just as it is. This species should not be transplanted before the plantlet is one year old, very carefully handling the extremely brittle rhizome & fleshy roots. Sowing in individual pots is advisable.