When to start seeds for Peruvian lilies

Question

When to start seeds for Peruvian lilies for San Francisco, CA zone? I have had the most loyal, productive, easy and eye popping Alstroemeria in a pot along the south side of my house along with pots of orchids. It must be the perfect location because both thrive for years. Now I want to grow more and I bought seeds and a planting seed kit. It’s August, and our hottest weather is coming. Do I have time to start and plant these seedlings this year? In this area and my specific location (alley between houses), I never have had damage from cold, but this is fog country so they could face “winter.” Should I start or wait until when? I will use the idea of splitting the rhizomes on the plant, which stays ever green and blooming late fall.

Answer 1

The answer will depend on the seed kit you have purchased. Peruvian lily seeds need to be stratified, a procedure involving exposure to cold temperatures over specific periods of time, and then scarred in order to germinate.

If the seeds you purchased have already been prepared in this way, you can plant them outdoors at any time in your zone. The seeds can then take up to a month to germinate.

If they have not been stratified, you will need to go through this time-consuming procedure yourself.