Freesias are pretty, fragrant flowers that arise from bulbs. They are ideal for floral arrangements and are often grown with the purpose of cutting them and putting them on display. Freesias can grow both in the ground and in pots and will blossom about 12 weeks after planting them, with flowering lasting for several months.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Planting Freesias
Step 1. Find out when to plant freesias
These flowers bloom from bulbs that need to be planted at a certain time of year in order to grow. The best season depends on the area you live in. Consult a specific site on growing areas to find out when to plant them in the country where you reside.
- Freesias are hardy and will survive the winter in warmer areas. So, if you live in a warm enough area, you may want to plant them in early fall to allow them to take root and stabilize.
- If you live in a colder area, freesias will die over the winter if you plant them in the fall. In this case you will have to wait until early spring, when there are no more frosts, so the delicate bulbs will grow and thrive.
Step 2. Choose big, firm bulbs
Freesia bulbs, also called "corms", resemble spring onions. Buy them the same day you want to plant them or a couple of days in advance. If you live in a colder area, wait until spring to buy the bulbs.
Step 3. Prepare a flower bed
Choose a spot that is in full sun, freesias will not bloom if planted in the shade. They need full sun to flower and to keep flowering for a long time. Choose a place that is exposed to the sun for at least 8 hours a day The soil must be relatively fertile, but it is not necessarily necessary to change the pH. Simply put, freesias need soil that drains well. They require a lot of water, but if it stagnates around the bulbs it will cause them to rot.
- When you've chosen a spot, check its drainage capacity by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water remains in the hole and drains very slowly, you will need to choose another place or add material to the soil to make it easier to drain.
- If you choose a spot that doesn't drain well, plow the soil to a depth of 30cm and add compost, peat or organic material to raise the soil about ten centimeters.
Step 4. Plant the bulbs
Dig 2-4 cm holes at a distance of about ten centimeters between them. Place the bulbs in the holes with the tips facing up. Cover them with soil and even it out with taps, water abundantly. The sprout will emerge in 2-3 weeks.
Step 5. Consider planting in pots
If you want to plant freesias in a pot, choose one with suitable drainage holes and fill it with soil. Plant the bulbs 5cm deep and 5cm apart. Keep the pot indoors after planting the bulbs and move it to a sunny area as it begins to sprout.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Caring for Freesias
Step 1. Fertilize the sprouts
When you see that the first few shoots are coming out, you can help them come out by giving them some potassium-enriched fertilizer, such as the pellet. Sprinkle it near the base of the shoots and apply gentle pressure into the soil. This step is not strictly necessary, but it can help if the soil is not very rich.
Step 2. Splint the plants when they start to get tall
When they reach a length of 15-20 cm, freesias need support in order not to fall. Place small sticks near each plant and gently place the freesias on them. From time to time make sure that the splints provide the right support.
Step 3. Water the freesias throughout the flowering season
Since they are planted in a sunny area, the soil will dry out very quickly. Keep it moist, but not soggy. After about 120 days the freesias will blossom. Keep watering them until the flowers begin to wilt. At that point you can decrease until they die and fall.
- Water the freesias in the morning so the flower bed has time to dry before nightfall. If water stagnates around the plant overnight, mold will form.
- Water the freesias around the base rather than sprinkling water on the leaves and flowers, preventing the plant from being sunburned.
Step 4. Wait until the leaves are yellow before removing them
Once the flower has fallen, let the leaves continue to grow and wait for them to turn yellow before removing them, as they continue to provide nourishment to the plant until it dies. The accumulated energy will help the freesias become strong again the following year.
- After the first frost, "lift" the freesias by pruning the leaves and stems 2 cm towards the ground
- This step isn't necessary if you live in a warm place and the leaves never turn yellow.
Step 5. Dry the bulbs or let them rest
If you live in warm areas, you will need to dig up the bulbs and dry them out over the winter and then replant them in the spring. If you live in colder areas, dig them up and put them in a well-heated, dry place for the winter and then replant them after the last frost.
In warmer places you can leave the bulbs in the ground. They will blossom again in spring, having survived the winter
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Cutting the Freesias
Step 1. Cut the freesia at the height of the flower
The plant will continue to grow, so you won't damage it and you can bring some color indoors. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife and make a diagonal cut along the base of the stem, leaving a few inches intact.
- Do not use scissors to cut freesias, as they do not produce a clean cut and could damage the plant.
- Potted freesias can also be cut. Avoid bringing the whole vase indoors, as the flowers would die without the right amount of light.
Step 2. Give the plant water and nutrition
Freesias can last up to 3 weeks indoors if you give them water and nutrition. Fill a jar with clean water and dissolve a sachet of nutrients in it. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of sugar syrup to feed her. Add food every time you water the plant, i.e. every 2-3 days.
Step 3. Keep bacteria away:
Another way to ensure long life for your plant is to use a very clean pot with no residue from the plant it previously contained. Even the smallest amount of bacteria can cause the plant to rot. In addition to changing the water and nutrients every 2-3 days, try adding a teaspoon of bleach to the water. It will kill bacteria and keep plants alive.
Advice
- A good way to check if the soil is draining well is to check it after rain. Any areas where puddles remain will not be suitable for growing freesias.
- If insects are a problem, avoid using chemicals that will damage the flowers. Instead, use fly paper or remove the bugs manually.
- Freesias don't fare very well in the heat.
- Bamboo sticks of about 60 cm are the best tool for splinting freesias. Secure the stem with strong twine or wire.
- Flowering can be prolonged by keeping the plants in a cool place.
- Always plant freesia bulbs with the narrow ends facing up.
- For graceful flowering in January, start planting freesias between August and September.
- Consider building an enclosure to keep rodents away.
- Do not store the bulbs in closed containers and do not close them in packages that are too tight because they could rot.
