Alstroemeria Maintenance: Why Pulling (Not Cutting) Flower Stems Matters for Quality

The Technique

Pull stems from the base — don’t cut. Grasp low and tug sharply. This removes the entire flowering shoot.

Why It Matters

• Prevents seed set — seedlings from hybrids are inferior, variable.
• Stimulates new shoots from the rhizome — more flowers.
• Reduces disease entry points (cut stems rot).

When to Pull

• For bouquets: when first 1–2 flowers open.
• Deadheading: as each stem finishes blooming.

Resource

RHS Alstroemeria Guide