How To Grow Freesias

Container or Ground?

Although it is often easier to plant corms in pots it is often better to plant freesias in the border where they can be supported discreetly and show their truest colours when all other plants are resting.

Climate

In the UK, Freesias are best treated as annuals as our winter temperatures drop too low for the bulbs to survive. Hayloft’s Freesia Corms are heat treated to guarantee flowering and only available in the spring to ensure you have the best summer display possible!

Ranunculus

Pair with Spring flowering Ranunculus for a truly vibrant display. Plant on masse interspersed with evergreens that need a little colour boost to show off their unique topiary shapes. Ranunulcus would work well in a mixed planter on the patio or in the border where their zesty colours pop out.

Dianthus

Dianthus are evergreen perennials with a clump forming habit, available in a range of heights and spreads depending on which variety they choose. The Dianthus should be just ramping up by the time your Freesia. Dianthus would work well with Freesias as part of a mixed planter or border.

Pulmonaria

Pulmonaria are beautiful, gentle additions to the border and never fail to bring a smile. They ease into any open gaps and are a magnet for bees. Pulmonarias typically come in shades of blue and white and flower when all the other plants in your garden are just thinking about waking up.

1.

In April, lightly fork the area over and mix in horticultural grit

2.

Create a series of shallow trenches around 5cm (2in) deep and 5-8cm (2-3in) apart. If you are on heavy soils it may be worth dusting some sharp sand and grit into the trenches for a little extra drainage, so the corms won’t sit in water for extended periods of time.

3.

Place the corms in the shallow trenches and using gloved hands or hand-tools, gently cover the corms until the tips are only just showing to the surface.

4.

Support new growth with twiggy branches or a structure like our half-circle supports.

 Pruning & Deadheading

As Freesias are not fully hardy, their leaves will begin to yellow and die back in the Autumn. Clear any discarded foliage from the area so you can see where the corms are clearly and avoid ‘chopping’ the corms by accident when lifting them out. Leave the corms in a dry corner in the greenhouse for a few days before trimming off any further foliage. You want to make sure as much of the nutrient content in the leaves has gone into the corm as possible to give you the best results for next year.

To trim the corms of their foliage, use a pair of sharp, clean secateurs and make decisive snips for the best results.

 Watering

Water Freesias in pots on a regular basis to keep the soil moist but not wet. We would also recommend keeping the pots in a shaded area to reduce the compost’s moisture levels from fluctuating too much.

When the corms begin to sprout, move them out into the sun to really get them going. If you plant your corms in good quality compost or soil you should not need to feed them.

 Cold Protection

Whether your Freesias are planted or in pots, it is considered best practice to lift and store corms in the Autumn and winter when temperatures drop too low. Discard and older, shrivelled looking corms and retain pump fresh and firm corms, storing them in dry sand.

 Pests & Diseases

Freesias are susceptible to Red Spider Mite, Aphids and mice who nibble on the new shoots.