Caring For Forced Freesias - How To Force Freesia Bulbs

Probably the most important aspect of caring for forced freesias is water. Keep the soil moderately moist but never soggy. Another important step when forcing freesia flowers indoors is support. The tightly planted bulbs will self-support to some degree, but the thin stalks will benefit from additional reinforcement.

1. Do I need to lift freesia bulbs?
2. How do you keep freesias from falling over?
3. Do you need to soak freesia bulbs before planting?
4. Does freesia bloom more than once?
5. Are freesias annuals or perennials?
6. How do you keep freesias blooming?
7. Do freesias multiply?
8. Why is my freesia drooping?
9. How long do Freesia bulbs last?
10. Can freesias be grown in pots?
11. Is it too late to plant freesia bulbs?
12. How do you force a freesia bulb?
13. How do I care for a freesia plant?
14. Is Freesia toxic to cats?
15. What does freesia symbolize?
16. How does freesia smell like?
17. When should I fertilize freesias?
18. How do you care for a freesia plant indoors?
19. When should I plant freesia seeds?

Do I need to lift freesia bulbs?

Freesias are not fully hardy, so you are usually recommended to lift the plants in the autumn, either when the leaves yellow, or after the first frost. Cut the stems back to 1in and allow the corms to dry. Remove the old, shrivelled portion, keeping only the new plump corms.

How do you keep freesias from falling over?

Keep freesia from falling over by staking each flower in the garden. Position a stake on the soil approximately 3 inches away from each stem of the freesia flower. Use the hammer to pound the stake about 4 inches into the soil. Freesia flowers are close relations of crocuses, irises and gladioli.

Do you need to soak freesia bulbs before planting?

Shane Smith, author of the 2000 book "Greenhouse Gardener's Companion," says you can store the corms in your refrigerator for three or four weeks before planting them. Soaking them in water for about half an hour can also be beneficial. Corms should be planted about two inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.

Does freesia bloom more than once?

Do Freesias Bloom More Than Once A Year? - Knowledgebase Question. Freesias bloom in the spring if planted outdoors in the fall, or they'll bloom indoors in the fall if planted in the spring. In your gardening region they will bloom in the spring if you leave the corms in the ground all year around.

Are freesias annuals or perennials?

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.

How do you keep freesias blooming?

Move your potted plant to a cool, dark location.

You may keep the freesia in a dark location until you're ready to start blooms again, even if you change seasons. If you remove the plant from dormancy in winter, you'll enjoy blooms during the summer. If you remove them in the fall, you'll enjoy blooms in the spring.

Do freesias multiply?

Do freesias grow every year? If you live somewhere where it either never (or rarely) freezes then yes, your freesias should grow back. They may even multiply by spreading fertilised seeds so you could have a garden bursting with colour every spring!

Why is my freesia drooping?

When conditions are too wet or plants are overfertilized, you may notice your freesia begin to wilt despite adequate care. The yellow leaves and general decline that follows will usually end in death. Improve your garden drainage, solarize the soil and try again next year – you'll have much better luck.

How long do Freesia bulbs last?

Most bulbs, if stored correctly, can be kept for about 12 months before needing to be planted.

Can freesias be grown in pots?

Freesias are versatile and can be grown in pots indoors or outdoors, or in the ground. Freesias aren't frost-hardy so can only be planted outdoors in spring or early summer. ... For indoor growing, plant corms in autumn to bloom in late winter.

Is it too late to plant freesia bulbs?

WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT FREESIA

Over time they will multiply. In cooler zones, freesias can 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.

How do you force a freesia bulb?

Choose a room with bright sun most of the day and slightly cool temperatures at night. This may be difficult when forcing freesia bulbs indoors in cold regions. In order to afford the cool temperatures, place pots in the basement under plant lights and then move them into a southern window once winter is over.

How do I care for a freesia plant?

Plant freesia in a slightly sandy soil that has been amended with moisture retaining organic material. They prefer a location in full sun but can tolerate light shade. When freesia is actively growing and blooming, the soil should be kept moist.

Is Freesia toxic to cats?

Toxicity, Safety & Prevention

Freesia is also safe for dogs and cats. However, if pets ever exhibit any symptoms of poisoning -- including vomiting, severe diarrhea, uncontrollable drooling or lethargy -- you should call the emergency vet right away.

What does freesia symbolize?

Freesia flower meanings generally include friendship, trust, thoughtfulness and innocence. They are a popular gift for friends and family, and is a popular flower amongst various cultures. According to the Victorian language of flowers, the freesia is the ultimate flower of trust.

How does freesia smell like?

The blossoms are said to emit hints of honey, mint and strawberry. (They have even been described as smelling like Froot Loops cereal…) Some think freesias' perfume is soapy and powdery, others woody and citrusy, sunny and peppery. To me they smell like an enchanting, highly aromatic Gewürztraminer.

When should I fertilize freesias?

Once the foliage emerges, water the growing freesia plants often to keep the soil moist. Freesias need an abundance of moisture during the entire growing season, but you should allow the soil to dry out once the flowers fade. Fertilize the plants in spring with a bulb fertilizer following the label instructions.

How do you care for a freesia plant indoors?

Freesia Flower Care Tips

Some cool, direct morning sunlight is fine. Water: Keep the soil lightly moist. Don't overwater because it will cause the corms to rot. Humidity: Moderate -- around 40-50% relative humidity.

When should I plant freesia seeds?

Sow freesia seeds in spring from January to April or wait until August after the heat of summer. Seed germination takes approximately 25 to 30 days. Soak the freesia seeds in warm water for 24 hours prior to placing in soil.