Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’

Description

Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ is a breathtaking perennial known for its exotic appearance and beautiful pink flowers with golden blushes at the center. To ensure your Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ thrives and blooms continuously from June to November, follow this comprehensive planting guide.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ is in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed. This allows the plant to establish its roots before the growing season.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ in early autumn. This enables the plant to acclimatize and strengthens its root system before winter dormancy.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ prefers full sun or part shade. Aim for a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, as this will promote vigorous growth and flowering.
• Soil: Choose well-drained soil for Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’. This plant is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, so incorporating organic matter like compost is crucial for improving drainage and soil quality.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: When planting Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This space allows the roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance fertility and drainage. Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which supports healthy growth and abundant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil and encourages strong root development. Ensure that the area drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ is relatively drought-tolerant. Water the plant moderately during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root problems.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Alstroemeria requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ a strong start to the growing season. This supports healthy new growth and vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can encourage continued flowering and ensure that your Alstroemeria maintains its vigour throughout the blooming season.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Alstroemeria by removing spent flowers. This practice prolongs the blooming period and encourages the plant to produce new flowers.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded in autumn, cut back your Alstroemeria to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and promotes healthier growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Alstroemeria in spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials such as bark chips or compost for the best results.
• Winter: In winter, adding mulch around the plant helps protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost heaving, ensuring the plant survives through to the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ typically has sturdy stems, so staking is rarely necessary. However, in particularly windy locations, consider staking to prevent damage to the plant.

Final Tips

Alstroemeria ‘Inca Goal’ is a low-maintenance perennial that offers vibrant colour and blooms from June to November. By planting in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and following these care instructions, this Alstroemeria will become a stunning feature in your garden. Use this elegant plant in borders or containers to add a touch of exotic beauty to your outdoor space!

RHS Details

See more Alstroemeria from Proctors