Problems with alstroemerias and stocks
Q I love alstroemerias and stocks. I have bought alstroemeria plants in the past, but they never last. I have bought stock seeds, but never have any success with them. Are there any tips to successful growing or is it just the climate in the North East that they do not like?
Ali Wood, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
A Alstroemerias are easy to grow provided you set them in free-draining fertile soil and cover their rhizome-like tubers with about 4in (10cm) of soil. Then, in autumn, protect them from sharp frost by mulching clumps with 4in (10cm) of well-rotted garden compost or manure.
You may get better results buying potted plants rather than bare tubers, which are more likely to fail. Plant in spring or autumn. Alstroemerias like a warm, sheltered spot in sunshine and prefer soil that drains well.
As for stocks, there are four groups:
Half-hardy ‘ten-week’ kinds that are sown in gentle heat in February or March and planted out to flower in June and August.
Brompton stocks are sown outdoors in April and May and overwintered to perform the following spring.
The East Lothian family is grown as a half-hardy annual or biennial, and finally the night-scented
