Hey there fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing freesias for years and let me tell you – these fragrant beauties are worth preserving. Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about storing freesia bulbs properly. Trust me, with the right storage techniques, you’ll enjoy these colorful blooms season after season!
Why Should We Store Freesia Bulbs?
Before diving into the how-to here’s why proper storage matters
- Saves money (no need to buy new bulbs every year!)
- Preserves your favorite varieties
- Lets you control planting time
- Protects bulbs from harsh winter conditions
- Keeps them healthy for next season’s blooms
When to Dig Up Your Freesia Bulbs
Timing is super important! Here’s when you should dig up those precious bulbs
- After blooms have faded completely
- When foliage turns yellow and dies back
- Before first frost hits (if you’re in zones 3-8)
- Usually between September and November (depends on your climate)
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Freesia Bulbs
1. Digging Up the Bulbs
- Use a garden fork or spade to carefully loosen soil
- Dig several inches away from plant base
- Gently lift bulbs to avoid damage
- Remove excess soil by hand
2. Cleaning and Preparing
- Cut stems back to about 1 inch above bulb
- Brush off loose soil (don’t wash them!)
- Remove any damaged or diseased parts
- Let them dry for 24-48 hours in a well-ventilated spot
3. Curing Process
- Place bulbs in single layer
- Keep in dark, dry area
- Maintain good air circulation
- Allow 3 weeks for proper curing
- Temperature should be 60-70°F during curing
4. Storage Container Selection
Best containers for storage:
- Paper bags
- Mesh bags
- Cardboard boxes with ventilation holes
- Burlap sacks
Avoid plastic bags – they trap moisture!
5. Storage Conditions
For optimal storage:
- Temperature: 35-45°F (2-7°C)
- Environment: Cool and dry
- Location: Basement, garage, or unheated closet
- Light: Dark or dim lighting
- Air: Good circulation essential
Storage Duration and Maintenance
I’ve found that freesia bulbs can be stored for 2-4 months before planting. Here’s what ya need to do during storage:
- Check bulbs every few weeks
- Remove any showing signs of rot or mold
- Maintain consistent temperature
- Keep storage area dry
- Label containers with variety names and storage date
Common Storage Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Mold growth | Improve ventilation, remove affected bulbs |
| Shriveling | Add light dusting of talcum powder |
| Premature sprouting | Move to cooler location |
| Pest infestation | Remove infected bulbs, use diatomaceous earth |
Pro Tips from My Experience
- Don’t store different types of bulbs together unless they need similar conditions
- Use paper towels between layers of bulbs
- Write storage date on containers
- Keep stored bulbs away from fruits (they release ethylene gas)
- Consider using desiccant packets in humid areas
When to Plant Stored Bulbs
The waiting game’s almost over! Plant your stored bulbs:
- Spring: After last frost date
- Fall: 110-120 days before expected bloom time
- When soil temperatures reach 55-60°F
Wrapping Up
Storing freesia bulbs ain’t rocket science, but it does need some attention to detail. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have gorgeous, fragrant blooms year after year. Remember, the key is keeping them cool, dry, and well-ventilated.
Got questions about storing your freesia bulbs? Drop ’em in the comments below! I love helping fellow gardeners keep their flowers thriving. Happy gardening, y’all!
Note: These storage tips work best for zones 3-8. If you’re in zones 9-10, you can actually leave your freesia bulbs in the ground, just make sure the soil doesn’t get too wet during summer!
WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT FREESIA
In areas where freesias are winter hardy (zones 9-10) they should be planted outdoors in fall. Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil that contains plenty of organic matter. Plant the corms pointed end up, 1” to 2” deep and 2” to 3” apart. Over time they will multiply.
In cooler zones, freesias may 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.
When planting freesia in containers, choose relatively tall pots as freesias have a long tap root. Use a compost-enriched growing mix and consider adding some coarse sand or finely crushed stone to ensure excellent drainage. In a 5” pot, plant 6-8 corms 1” deep with the pointed end up. If using a larger pot, space the bulbs about 1” to 2” apart.
Start with a Better Bulb
It’s easy to see the difference in quality when you compare two freesia corms side by side. Larger corms (as shown at far left) contain more stored energy and will give you more stems and more blooms.
To see our selection of freesia bulbs, click HERE.
HOW TO STORE & SAVE BULBS FOR NEXT SEASON || STORING AND SAVING FREESIA BULB FOR NEXT SEASON.
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