Freesia is a fragrant perennial flower that produces multiple blooms on each stem. The colorful flowers have a fragrance of fresh strawberries and sweet candy. When you learn how to grow freesia you’ll be able to force the plant to bloom indoors and fill your home with sweet fragrance and bright colors.
Freesia blooms in a variety of colors, including pink, white, yellow, gold, red, orange, purple, and bi-colored. Blooms may be single or double, depending on the variety. The plants are hardy and will return for many years when planted in the right location.
Planting Location
Freesia is grown from bulbs (corms) that resemble a dried piece of hominy. Plant the corm in a sunny location that has well-draining soil.
These beauties grow equally well when planted in-ground or in a container as long as they are provided with plenty of sun and the soil is not soggy.
When To Plant
If you want freesia blooms in the spring, plant the corms in the fall/autumn (this can only be done in climates that have mild winters). If you want the fragrant colorful blooms to appear at the end of summer, then plant the corms in the spring.
Follow these guidelines on how to grow freesia and plant some corms in the spring and the fall/autumn for a twice-yearly display.
Indoor Forcing
Indoor forcing can be done any time of the year. Plant the corms 2-inches (5cm) apart in a container filled with potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and place the container in a sunny window. The plant will flower in 3-months.
When the plant has completed its’ bloom cycle and the flowers and foliage die back, allow the soil in the container to dry out and place it in a cool location for 1-month. When you want to force the plant to grow again, place the container in the sun and keep the soil moist. This cycle can be repeated indefinitely.
Dig Up Corms
Freesia corms (bulbs) can not survive cold winter weather. They will need to be removed from outdoor soil before the ground freezes and stored in a cool, dark location until you’re ready to replant them.
Plant Care
Now that you know how to grow freesia, here are a couple of tips for caring for the fragrant plant.
Watering
Freesia are thirsty plants but won’t tolerate soggy soil. Water plants a little every day.
Fertilizing
Feed plants once in the spring.
Deadheading
Deadhead old blooms to keep the plant looking tidy.
Cut flowers
For long-lasting cut flowers, cut stems early in the morning before the sun shines on the plant.
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