Postharvest Handling of Alstroemeria

Abstract

Vase life of Alstroemieria hybrida 'Regina'was longest in inflorescences with secondary and tertiary florets. The presence of additional florets on a cyme decreased the vase life of the primary floret. Maximum flower opening and normal coloration occurred when the primary florets were harvested at the 'rolled petal stage'. Cutting Alstroemeria stems above the blanched portion of the stem before placement in water increased water uptake and vase life. When secondary florets were present, leaf removal did not decrease vase life.