Freesias are flowering plants cherished for their vibrant colors and sweet, fruity fragrance. These elegant blooms grow in a single row along a slender, arching stem and are native to the Cape Province region of South Africa. Freesias are tender perennials that cannot tolerate hard frost. They grow from underground corms, which are storage organs, and successful cultivation depends on understanding their specific needs.
Determining the Optimal Planting Time
The optimal time to plant freesia corms depends on the local climate and the risk of freezing temperatures. Freesias are winter-hardy only in USDA Zones 9 and 10, where winters are mild without significant frost. In these warmer regions, plant corms outdoors in the fall, typically September to November, allowing roots to establish during the cool season. This fall planting results in blooms from late winter to early spring.
Gardeners in cooler climates (Zone 8 and below) must treat freesias as summer-blooming annuals. Plant corms in the spring after the danger of the last hard frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Spring planting allows the corms to flower during the summer months, usually about 12 weeks after planting. Since the corms will not survive the winter outdoors in these zones, they must be lifted.
Step-by-Step Planting Procedure
Freesias require a site that receives full sun or very light partial shade. The soil must be well-draining, as corms are prone to rot in waterlogged conditions. Amending the planting area with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, improves drainage and provides a fertile base for growth.
Plant freesia corms at a depth of about 2 inches below the soil surface. Space the corms approximately 3 to 4 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Position the corm with the pointed end facing upward, as new shoots will emerge from this point.
Planting the corms in groups of six to ten creates a more impactful visual display and provides mutual support for the developing stems. After planting, water the area lightly to settle the soil around the corms, but avoid heavy watering until new shoots begin to emerge.
Ongoing Care and Support
Once shoots appear, freesia plants require consistent soil moisture but must never become saturated or soggy. Water regularly during the active growth phase, ensuring the top inch of soil does not completely dry out. This consistent watering encourages strong growth and flower development.
Freesia stems are slender, and the weight of the six to twelve trumpet-shaped blossoms often necessitates support. Installing small stakes or a circular grow-through support system early in the season prevents the stems from flopping over. The plants benefit from a balanced, liquid fertilizer applied every two to three weeks after the sprouts reach about 6 inches tall. Use a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen ratio to promote blooms instead of excessive foliage growth.
End-of-Season Dormancy and Storage
After the flowering period concludes, typically in mid-to-late summer, the plant begins dormancy. Allow the foliage to remain on the plant, even as the flowers fade. The leaves must be permitted to yellow and die back naturally, as this process transfers energy and nutrients back into the corm for next season’s growth.
Once the foliage has completely withered and turned brown, carefully lift the corms from the ground in colder zones before the first hard frost. The corms must then be cured by drying them in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated location for one to two weeks. After curing, store the corms in a cool, dry, and dark environment, such as a paper bag or mesh net, at a temperature around 55°F until the next planting season.