By Squirrelhall
Roxburghshire, United Kingdom
Hi all. I had some alstroemeria bare roots deliverd last nov. and got 2ft of snow before I planted them .Iwas advised to pot them up in dry compost and keep them cool and dry. I have just taken them out and they have fallen apart.What have I done wrong. I have given some gladioli and dahlias the same treatment. Will they suffer the same fate
- 27 Feb, 2011
Answers
Yes there are some fleshy bits left but they are soft like a rotten potatoe. I have planted them but dont hold much hope. They were kept in a cold place in the house so i dont think they were frozen. Thanks for the answer
27 Feb, 2011
Like Dahlias, the tuberous roots of Alstroemerias need to be connected to a part of the crown to grow, and you're right--softness is not a good sign. If they are still white or ivory-colored, though, there may still be hope.
28 Feb, 2011
What a shame you couldn't have potted them immediately and planted them into the soil when you got them.
The specialist grower that i buy mine from always state that they will be fine to leave out over winter as long as you mulch them to about 1-2" and they are - i leave mine in the ground, without a mulch and they're fine.
I would try planting yours out now and just see what happens - put them in a sunny area and keep them slightly damp, they should be sending up loads of new shoots now and if you've a very mild climate have about 2" growth.
28 Feb, 2011
Thanks all fingers crossed
28 Feb, 2011
when you say fallen apart are there still fleshy bits left? if yes then repot these and keep fingers crossed. The gladioli are corms and I would expect them to be fine. The Dahlias may have rotted, all mine have over the winter as they got really cold and froze. So as long as they stayed frost free they should be ok.
27 Feb, 2011