Production Technology of Alstroemeria as a Cut Flower -A Review

Abstract

<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Alstroemeria</i> is becoming popular as a new cut flower crop in our country. South America is the place of origin of this flower which belongs to the family Alstroemeriaceae. When <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Alstroemeria</i> are inside the greenhouse in November and December the flowering stems are developed from April to August the next year. However, the second year the same plant produces flowering stems from March to July. It has been observed that 30 to 35% flowers were produced during the month of May only. The flower production of Alstroemerias are very much dependent on the

care and attention of the crop and also on the cultivars. Based on two years observation, it has been recorded that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Alstroemeria</i> plant produces 25 to 40 flowering stems per year. When the flowers are harvested at the right stage the flower remain fresh for 10 to 14 days. Due to its excellent vase life, Alstroemerias are gradually becoming popular in Indian flower market. As a consequence its area under cultivation is also increasing at a steady pace. Per unit return is very high as the Alstroemeria is very free flowering.