AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
Question I read your answer on how to winter over alstromeria in northern climates.... Mine are in containers and I do have a cold area in which to store them... The area I have in mind is under a bench seat in our mud room.. It stays cold but does not freeze..
Should I water them before and/or during storage?
Is the totally dark area OK?
Cheers,
Gail
Answer Hi Gail,
Thanx for your question. As long as the area does not freeze your alstroemerias should winter over. I would water enough to keep the soil from completely drying out. Make sure the pot drains well so you don't get cold rot. I hope this helps.
Tom
