Is your garden craving a bit of horticultural geometry? Well, Freesia are zygomorphic, which means that they grow along one side of the stem, in a single plane. Not only that, but the flowers bloom along the top side of the stalk, facing upwards, making them lovely to look down on in gardens and arrangements. With multiple fragrant, trumpet-shaped, upward-pointing blossoms per graceful stem, Freesia are a prized choice as long-lasting cut flowers. Learn how to grow and care for these gorgeous flowers so that you can bask in their beauty year after year!
Freesia is a popular flower known for its sweet fragrance and colorful blooms. While freesias are native to Africa, they can be successfully grown in California with proper care and timing. In this article, we’ll discuss the best times and techniques for planting freesia bulbs in California.
Climate Considerations
Freesia bulbs require full sun and warm soil to thrive. They perform best in California’s inland and coastal regions where the climate is mild and summers are dry The ideal planting zones are 9-11.
In most parts of California, freesias can be planted in fall or early winter. This allows them to establish roots before the cool winter months. Bulbs planted too late in winter may not bloom well come spring.
The Central Valley and other hot inland areas should aim to plant freesia bulbs in October or November The cooler coastal areas can plant a bit later from November to December Just avoid planting during the rainy season or when nighttime temperatures drop below 40°F.
Preparing the Soil
Well-drained soil is essential for freesia bulbs. Heavy clay or compacted soils can lead to bulb rot. Before planting, work some compost or organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil to lighten and enrich it.
You can also mix in a general purpose fertilizer when preparing the soil. This gives the bulbs an extra nutrient boost for several weeks after planting. Just don’t overdo the fertilizer as this may burn the bulb roots.
Planting Depth and Spacing
Freesia bulbs should be planted quite shallow, only 2-3 inches deep and with the pointed end up. Place the bulbs 4-6 inches apart to allow for airflow and growth.
Planting in clusters or groups of 3-5 bulbs makes for a nice display. Just leave 6-8 inches between each cluster.
Watering Needs
After planting, water the bulbs well to settle the soil. Then avoid watering again until the first sprouts emerge. This encourages the bulbs to put down roots before focusing energy on leaves and flowers.
Once sprouted, freesias need about 1 inch of water per week. Water at the base of the plants and avoid getting the leaves and flowers wet. Reduce watering once the blooms fade to help the bulbs go dormant.
Ongoing Care
Add a 2-inch thick mulch layer around the plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Stir the soil lightly every few weeks to improve drainage.
Stake taller varieties if needed to prevent toppling. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
Let the leaves die back naturally after flowering. Once they brown, cut them off but leave the bulbs in place. The bulbs need time to recharge before being dug up.
With the right climate and care, freesias will reward you with their cheery flowers and sweet scent. Just be sure to time your planting correctly in fall or early winter based on your California region.
Where to Plant Freesia
Give your Freesia a spot where it will receive full sun for at least eight hours every day. Freesias need full sun to flourish and have a long blooming season.
- For outdoor landscaping planting, choose a spot with well-draining soil. If you notice water puddles 5–6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material such as compost, ground bark, or decomposed manure.
- For outdoor container planting, choose a pot, barrel, tub, or urn with adequate draining holes.
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How to Plant and Grow Freesia Bulbs
FAQ
What month do you plant freesia bulbs in California?
| Name | Type | Planting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Freesia | corm | Sept-Nov |
| Gladiolus | corm | Feb-Apr |
| Hippeastrum (giant amaryllis) | bulb | Oct-Feb |
| Hyacinth | bulb | Nov-Dec |
Will freesia come back every year?
Freesias will come back every year if you live in an area where you get a hard frost every year. It would be wise to take the bulbs out of the ground to overwinter, since they don’t grow very high, plant them in front of taller flowers like daffodils and paperwhites.
Do I need to soak freesia bulbs before planting?
Plant freesia bulbs in groups—two inches deep, and with two inches of spacing. They should be planted with the corms pointed end up. While not a requirement, some gardeners find it beneficial to soak freesia bulbs for about half an hour before planting.
Where is the best place to plant freesia?
- Freesias grow best in full sun or light shade in moist, well-drained soils.
- Freesias are tender perennials, winter hardy in growing zones 9-10, and grown as annuals elsewhere. …
- Freesias grow best with cool daytime temperatures (60-70°F or 15-21°C) and slightly cooler nights.