Freesia Double Mixture 20/pk
| Availability: | In stock (12) |
Photo Credit: Netherland Bulb Company
Available September 2024
Zone 9-10
Fragrant
Description credit Longfield Gardens
When planting freesia in containers, choose relatively tall pots as freesias have a long tap root. Use a compost-enriched growing mix and consider adding some coarse sand or finely crushed stone to ensure excellent drainage. In a 5” pot, plant 6-8 corms 1” deep with the pointed end up. If using a larger pot, space the bulbs about 1” to 2” apart.
Knowing how a plant grows in its natural habitat can help you understand what it needs to thrive. Freesias are native to South Africa. Their natural growing season begins in late fall when the weather cools and the rainy season begins. The bulbs sprout in fall, produce foliage in the winter months and then bloom from late winter to early spring. After flowering, the freesia’s foliage gradually withers. The corms are dormant during the summer months when the weather is dry and hot.
Newly harvested freesia corms are given a special heat treatment that mimics their normal summer dormancy period. Even with this treatment, newly-planted corms can be slow to break out of dormancy and it may take a month or more for them to begin growing. The average time from planting to flowering is 110 to 120 days.
For a generous display of flowers, plant freesia corms in groups of 6 to 10, positioned no more than 2” apart. Plant single colors together or mix them for a rainbow effect.
Like gladiolas, freesias usually need support to keep their stems upright. Circular supports that surround the stems are ideal. Another option is to use slender bamboo canes or small branches and then tie the stems in with twine.
If your freesias are in pots, cut back the stems after flowering and keep the soil moist until the foliage begins to yellow. At that point, stop watering and move the pots to a sheltered location where they won’t get wet. Once the soil is completely dry, cut off the foliage and remove the corms. Pull away any old debris and store the new corms in sand or peat moss at 55°F.
