How to grow Freesias

Native to South Africa, the freesia was introduced into cultivation in 1878 by German botanist Dr. Friedrich Freese. It is one of the most beloved flowers for their pure colors, long vase life and sweet perfume. They are a universal symbol of friendship, but can also be given as a gift for the seventh wedding anniversary.

The trumpet-shaped flowers are ‘zygomorphic', meaning the blooms grow in a single plane, along one side of the plant’s stem. 

They may be grown in in borders, planters or terraces.

Planning, Planting, and Growing Freesias

The essentials

• Flowering time: July to September or February-March (depending on when planted)
• Height: 30-60 cm (depending on the variety)
• Hardiness: They are winter hardy in USDA zones 9-10. In zones 3-8, the corms will not survive the winter outdoors. Protect against frost. 
• Difficulty: Very easy to grow
• Attracts: Butterflies
• Time to bloom: 12 weeks
• Plant location: full sun to some shade
• Soil needs: sandy and light
• Plant depth: 6 cm
• Plant spacing: 5 cm
• Humidity preferences: 40-50%
• Good for: borders, lawns, container planting
• Pet safe

Tips for Growing Freesia 

Knowing how a plant grows in its natural habitat can help you understand what it needs to thrive. Freesias are tender perennials and they are unlikely to survive temperatures under 37ºF (3 C). In its native habitat in the Southern Hemisphere, freesia bulbs sprout in fall, produce foliage in the winter months and then bloom from late winter to early spring. The corms are dormant during the summer months when the temperature becomes dry and hot. 

Light

Freesias grow best in full sun. However, they can tolerate a planting location that gets a little morning shade. If you're growing them indoors, a sunny window that faces south is ideal.

Temperature

Freesia plants bloom best when daytime temperatures are around 60-70 F (16-21 C). They need a steady nighttime temperature of around 45-55 F (7-13 C). They might not bloom if temperatures rise over 70°F (21 C).

Moving your plants to an unheated garage or shed each night can help promote flowers. 

Soil

Well-draining, slightly sandy soil, with a pH level neutral to alkaline is key for freesia plants. Amend the soil with organic material, such as peat moss and compost in equal quantities.

Be sure your containers have adequate drainage. One of the biggest problems with growing Freesia is the corms rotting when the soil is too wet or waterlogged.

Water

After planting the corms, water once, and then water sparingly until they sprout. When freesia is actively growing and blooming, the soil should be kept moist. Watering once per week is recommended during hot weather. 

NOTE: Freesias can’t survive with waterlogged roots

Fertilizer 

When the young plants are about 6” tall, begin applying a balanced liquid flower fertilizer (such as liquid seaweed) every 2 weeks, keeping the plants in full sun. Feed them again only once the plants about 5 cm (2 in) tall and the first buds have appeared. Stop fertilizing when the foliage begins to die down in fall.

How to plant freesias

In USDA Zones 3-8, freesia corms can be planted outdoors in spring for late summer flowers. The bulbs may also be planted in pots in the fall and grown in a cool (55-60°F) greenhouse for winter flowers. Plant freesias in March or April in a greenhouse, and April or May directly outside as long as the risk of frost has almost passed.

Corms can also be planted in September to November. If planted in autumn, leave the pots outside while temperatures are still between 10-17°C (50-62ºF) and then move indoors, such as to a greenhouse or near a kitchen window. In USDA Zones 9-10, plant outdoors in fall for blooms in February-March. 

Plant corms 1 to 2 inches (3/4 cm) deep with the pointed end up, and 2” to 3” apart. When planting freesia in containers, choose relatively tall pots as freesias have a long tap root. Water well after planting.  

• Three plants require the pot 4 to 5 inches (10 – 13 cm) in diameter
• Five plants require the pot 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter
• Seven to nine plants require the pot 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter

Place your plant pots in a place with  at the proper place with enough morning sun and partial shade in afternoons. Move the container in full sun when corms begin to sprout.

In case of cold fronts, it's best to grow freesias in pots so you can bring them inside.

Wintering

Freesias are not fully hardy and won’t survive frosts. After blooming has finished, you can cut off the flowers but leave the foliage until it has completely dried, as it provides much needed energy for the bulb. Before the first frost, cut off any remaining foliage and dig up the corms. Let them dry in a protected place where they will not freeze. The bulb should then be lifted and allowed to dry out. Once the soil is completely dry, cut off the foliage and lift the corms. Store them in sand or peat moss, in a dry, dark, cool (55°F) place until the ground begins to warm again in late April. 

Tips

By planting clusters of thirty or more freesia bulbs, positioned no more than 2 inches apart, you’ll be creating magnificent and colorful scenes in your garden!

Freesia plants in the garden should also be divided every three to five years.