Freesias are celebrated for their beautiful, fragrant blooms, making them a popular choice for gardens and cut flower arrangements alike. Successfully storing freesia bulbs through dormant periods ensures these captivating flowers return each season, allowing gardeners to enjoy their vibrant colors and sweet scents year after year and protecting their future growth and bloom potential.
Understanding Freesia Bulbs
Freesias grow from corms, specialized underground stems that store nutrients. These corms are not frost-hardy in many climates. Freesias are native to South Africa, a region characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. This natural environment dictates their need for a dormant period during colder months, necessitating removal from the ground in zones colder than USDA zones 9-10 to prevent damage from frost and excessive moisture. Storing the corms protects them from harsh winter conditions and allows them to enter a necessary resting phase for future vigorous growth and flowering.
Preparing Freesia Bulbs for Storage
Preparation for freesia corms begins after flowering, typically in the fall, or before the first hard frost. Let the foliage naturally yellow and die back, as these leaves continue to photosynthesize and transfer energy to the corms for the next growing season. Once the foliage has completely withered, gently dig up the corms, taking care to avoid physical damage. After lifting, remove excess soil and dead foliage.
Curing is the next step: thoroughly dry the corms to prevent rot and mold during storage. Spread the cleaned corms in a single layer on newspaper or a wire rack in a warm, well-ventilated area. An ideal curing environment maintains temperatures between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) with good air circulation for several weeks. This drying period helps ripen the corms, encouraging flower bud formation for the subsequent season.
Optimal Storage Conditions
Once freesia corms are properly cured, store them in the right environment for successful overwintering. An ideal storage temperature ranges from 40°F to 55°F (4°C to 13°C). The storage area should be dry and well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and fungal issues.
Store corms in a breathable medium such as peat moss, vermiculite, sand, or shredded newspaper to provide insulation and absorb residual moisture. Place the corms within paper bags, mesh bags, or open-top containers, ensuring adequate air circulation. A cool, dark location like a basement, garage, or even a closet works well. Labeling containers with the freesia variety and storage date aids organization for the next planting season. Periodically checking the stored corms throughout the winter allows for early detection and removal of diseased or rotting corms.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Common missteps can compromise freesia corm storage. Storing corms that are not completely dry is a frequent error, as residual moisture encourages the development of rot and mold. Maintaining incorrect temperatures are detrimental; too warm might cause premature sprouting or excessive desiccation, while excessively cold conditions can damage the corms. Insufficient ventilation in the storage area creates a humid, stagnant environment, increasing the risk of fungal diseases.
Using airtight containers for storage traps moisture and prevents necessary air exchange, leading to rot. While inspecting corms before and during storage, check for any signs of pests that could damage the stored corms. Promptly addressing these issues ensures a healthy batch of corms for the next growing season.
Replanting Freesia Bulbs
After their dormant period, freesia corms are ready for replanting once the danger of frost has passed in spring. In very mild climates, fall planting is an option. Replanting allows these vibrant flowers to grace the garden once more.