Freesia

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Common Name

Freesia

Scientific Name

Freesia

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

Europe, Africa

Height

10-18 inches

Width

1-3 inches

Blooming Season

Available throughout the year with peak period in spring

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

White, golden yellow, orange, red, pink, mauve, lavender, purple or bicolors

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Soil

Light, well-drained soil

Water

Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Delicate plants. Very fragrant. Bright flower colors. Some parts of this plant are poisonous.

Usage

Excellent for flower bouquets, borders, cut flowers or fragrance oils.

Information

Freesias are among the most popular and widely grown cut flowers in the world, with over 110 million stems sold in the UK each year. Freesia bloom was named by Dr. Freese (1785-1876), a native of Kiel, Germany. Freesia is a genus of about 14 species and all the 14 species are African in origin. They are very fragrant, typically white or yellow. Their leaves are sword shaped and light green and may be up to 1.5 feet high. The flower stalks are slender and about the same height. Freesia flowers are borne as loose one-sided spikes of narrowly funnel-shaped flowers along a side few leaves. Where the flowers begin, the stem makes a sharp bend so that the flowers face upward. Some excellent freesia varieties for fragrance include: Athene, Allure, Demeter, Excelsior, Golden Wave, Mirabel, Pink Westlind, Snowdon, and Welkin. The most popular specie is the freesia alba.

Growing Tips

Freesias are propagated by offsets of bulbs and seeds. They do best in full sun and cool night temperatures, preferably between 45 and 40 degrees. Freesias should be well-watered while the leaves and flowers are developing. When the leaves begin to brown after the flowers have faded, the plants may be gradually dried off and the corms saved for the following year. The corms should be planted close and they should be placed one inch below the soil. For winter flowers, freesia flowers should be planted in late summer or early fall and they should be kept cool until frosts are due. Because they are easily damaged, it is best to grow them in containers.

Common Problems

Insects and disease are not too common. If problems arise, treat early with insecticides or fungicides as appropriate.