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Growing: Freesia |
| By Ellen Brown |
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| Botanical Name: | Freesia |
| Life Cycle: | perennial bulb |
| Planting Time: | late summer to fall |
| Height: | 12" to 18" depending on type |
| Exposure: | full sun to partial shade |
| Soil: | average to rich, well-drained soil |
| Hardiness: | zones 8 to 11 |
| Bloom Time: | late winter through early summer depending on type and zone |
| Flower: | fragrant flowers in a variety of colors including, pink red, orange, red, yellow, blue, lavender and white; both single and double flowers |
| Foliage: | green, smooth textured foliage with a long blade-like shape |
| Propagation: | corms, tubers, bulbs, (including offsets), seeds and rhizomes |
| Suggested Use: | Beds, borders, cut flowers |
| Growing Hints: | Freesia is tender and delicate and really only grows well outdoors in the warmer zones although they can be grown indoors in cooler zones. Because they are easily damaged, it is best to grow them in containers. Plant corms close together (6 corms per 5 inch pot) I" deep in rich, well-drained potting soil. For winter flowers, plant corms in the summer or early fall and keep them cool until winter. Bring them in after the first frost and place them in an area with bright light and cool nighttime temperatures of between 40º and 45ºF. Give them regular water throughout the growing period. After flowering, back off on watering and allow plants to die back naturally. Corms can then be removed and cleaned and stored for the next season. |
| Interesting Facts: | Freesia originated in South Africa. Many parts of this plant are poisonous and should be handled with care. |
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RE: Growing: Freesia
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Post By Fragrance only (Guest Post)
(11/11/2006)
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Hello Ellen,
I Live in zone 6 or so and currently have freesia bulbs I want to plant but I want to grow them indoors. Do these bulbs need to be cooled for a period of time before planting? If so, for how long?
I also have some tulip bulbs that are starting to sprout that are not yet planted. I'd also like to grow them indoors. I understand there's a cooling period for these. If I can't put them in my fridge, what might my options be? If I put them in my fridge, I've heard you can't have apples in the fridge. Is this true? And finally, for what period of time would they have to be in my fridge or is it too late because they're beginning to sprout?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
from the one who loves only fragrant flowers!
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