Alonsoa are half hardy perennials even although they are in fact true perennials. Somewhat strangely the alonsoas are now invariably treated as half hardy annuals. The plants, which reach from 9 to 18 inches in height, make dense bushes literally smothered with brilliant large lipped flowers which are produced the whole summer through if remember that spent blooms have to be regularly removed. Surprisingly from a sow¬ing made in August and September pot plants grown on steadily during the winter months will also make a surprisingly pretty display in early spring.
In terms of cultivation, the Alonsoas are not at all demanding in what they need for strong healthy growth. A fairly rich, well firmed soil will suit them to perfection, and they require little further attention be¬yond the removal of spent flowers and, when necessary, watering during the summer months.
When it comes to propagation, seeds can be sown in March in a temperature of 60 degrees. Pans are the most suitable receptacles, and the tiny seeds must be only just covered with the merest sprinkling of sandy soil. The seed¬lings should subsequently be pricked out in boxes 2 inches apart each way and gradually hardened off in preparation for planting in their flowering quarters at the end of May. In the southern counties a sowing made out of doors where the plants are to flower in April will also give good results. Just remember the seed¬lings must be thinned out as soon as pos¬sible to 6 in. apart each way.
Moving on to our second cultivation the Alstroemeria which are hardy and half hardy fleshy rooted perennials.
The alstroemerias are very free flowering plants with terminal clusters of small lily like flowers. They are valuable both for planting in the herbaceous border and also for cutting, as the blooms do last well in water.
In terms of cultivation, all the Alstroemerias are sun lovers and appreciate a rather light and well drained soil. In cold districts they should be given the protection of a south wall or some similar warm nook or corner. Moreover, it is advisable when planting to cover the fleshy roots with at least 5 inches of soil, even a little more if of a very sandy nature, which will ensure protec¬tion from severe frost in winter. Alstroe¬merias resent root disturbance and are slow at making a display after planting. As a consequence in the first season they will probably only make a few short stems and a poor show of bloom, but will improve each successive season. For this reason they should be left undisturbed as long as possible. October is the best month for planting.
For propagation division at planting time affords a safe and simple means of propaga¬tion, while seeds will germinate freely during March in a cool greenhouse if sown in well drained pans filled with sandy soil. If this is the route you take, the seedlings will take some considerable time to attain flowering size.
In both these cases the effort to produce good blooms isn’t that onerous, and the results especially in a year or two are well worth that extra effort.
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