Overview of Freesia
- Native to Africa
- Grow from corms (similar to bulbs)
- Height 12-24 inches
- Bloom time late winter to early spring
- Fragrant flowers in many colors
- Require full sun
- Not frost hardy
Freesia Planting Time in California
Freesia corms should be planted in the fall in California, any time from September through November. This gives them time to establish roots before blooming in late winter/early spring
The key things to know about planting freesia bulbs
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Avoid planting too early. Corms can rot if soils are still warm. Wait until overnight temperatures are cooler.
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Plant before first frost date. Corms need 8-10 weeks of root growth before winter dormancy.
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In very mild climates like San Diego can plant as late as December or January.
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If planting in containers, wait 2-3 weeks longer than ground planting date.
Steps for Planting Freesia Bulbs
Follow these tips for successfully planting freesia corms in your California garden:
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Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil enriched with compost or fertilizer.
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Plant corms 2-3 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Place flat side down.
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Water thoroughly after planting and keep moist until sprouts emerge.
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Apply balanced fertilizer monthly from sprouting until buds appear.
-Mulch over planted area with 2 inches of organic matter.
Caring for Freesia After Planting
Once your freesia corms are planted in fall:
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Water 1 inch per week until sprouting, then reduce. Avoid overwatering.
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Protect from frost and freezing weather. Cover or move containers.
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Remove spent flowers promptly to encourage more blooms.
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After foliage fades in spring, dig up corms and store dry for replanting.
Follow this ideal planting timetable and care for freesia bulbs, and you will be rewarded with their delightful scented blooms in your California garden.
Where to Plant Freesia Bulbs
Outdoors, you can cultivate freesias either in pots or directly in the ground, provided the soil is well-drained. In these garden settings, freesia does well in dry, warm conditions as long as it gets the cool nights it needs for strong flowering. If you want to grow freesias, raised beds are usually the best way to go because they have better drainage than ground-level planting, so you can fully enjoy their delicate, exotic look and smell.
How to Plant Freesia Bulbs
Prepare your planting area by loosening your soil to a depth of eight inches. Plant freesia bulbs in groups—two inches deep, and with two inches of spacing. They should be planted with the corms pointed end up. Most gardeners don’t need to soak freesia bulbs for at least 30 minutes before planting them, but some do.
Freesia Flower Bulbs – Tips on How to Plant the Bulbs
FAQ
How do you grow freesia in California?
What month do you plant freesias?
When should you plant bulbs in California?
Do you soak freesia bulbs before planting?
When to plant Freesia bulbs?
When planting freesia bulbs, position them in a spot where they will receive full sun during the day. The best period for planting Freesia bulbs is around March and April. Fresia will flower between June and August. After planting, water your freesias well, soaking the area thoroughly. Roots and sprouts will develop in the autumn.
How to grow Freesia bulbs?
To grow Freesia bulbs, you will need full sun and healthy, well-draining soil. Prepare the planting place by loosening the soil and digging a hole three times the width of the corm. Before planting the bulbs, you can also add fertilizer to the hole.
When do freesias Bloom?
Freesias bloom 10 to 12 weeks after you plant the corms. You can extend the bloom season by planting the bulbs at weekly intervals. In USDA hardiness zones 9 and warmer, you can plant freesia corms in fall. In cooler areas, however, plant the corms in spring. Also, in USDA zones cooler than 9, the corms won’t survive the winter in the garden.
When should I plant freesias?
Freesias grow from bulbs that must be planted at a particular time of year to thrive. The season when you plant your freesias depends on what growing zone you live in. Check out a growing zone finder to determine when to plant freesias in your particular region.
How far apart should Freesia bulbs be planted?
Plant the freesia bulbs, or corms, at least 2 inches (5 cm.) deep and 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) apart. Freesias look their best planted in groups or masses rather than in rows. Masses of a single color make a striking display. Freesias bloom 10 to 12 weeks after you plant the corms.
How do you plant a freesia plant?
Prepare the bed by digging and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches (20 cm.). Plant the freesia bulbs, or corms, at least 2 inches (5 cm.) deep and 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) apart. Freesias look their best planted in groups or masses rather than in rows. Masses of a single color make a striking display.