freesia
Freesia × hybrida
Fragrant spring-blooming cormous perennial with funnel-shaped, colorful flowers, commonly grown for borders and as cut-flowers.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Corms and foliage can cause gastrointestinal upset and drooling if eaten by pets; sap may irritate skin. Keep out of reach of animals and children.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place freesias in very bright, indirect light or morning sun. East- or north-facing windows are ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun which can scorch blooms. Outdoors provide filtered light or light shade during hottest hours.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering; water every 3–7 days depending on pot size and temperature. Do not let the pot sit in water; allow the top 1–2 cm to dry slightly between waterings to avoid corm rot.
Humidity
Freesias prefer moderate humidity. Maintain 40–60% indoors by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Avoid persistently soggy air that encourages fungal disease.
Temperature
Optimal 10–24°C (50–75°F). Cooler nights (10–15°C/50–59°F) promote bud formation; avoid prolonged heat above 24°C/75°F.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing, soft leaves and mushy corms
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to corm rot
Solution: Reduce watering, improve drainage, repot into gritty mix, remove and discard rotten corms, allow offsets to dry before replanting
Leggy plants with few blooms
Cause: Insufficient light or overly warm conditions
Solution: Move to brighter, cooler spot with morning sun; ensure nights are cooler (10–15°C) and feed lightly with balanced fertilizer
Brown spots or gray fuzzy mold on flowers
Cause: High humidity, poor air circulation, or Botrytis
Solution: Remove affected parts, increase airflow, reduce humidity, avoid overhead watering and apply fungicide if severe
Aphids, thrips or spider mites on foliage and flowers
Cause: Pest infestation due to stressed plants or indoor conditions
Solution: Blast with water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, isolate infected plants and repeat treatments as needed
No flowering after planting
Cause: Planting corms too deep, wrong season, or inadequate chill period
Solution: Plant corms 4–6 cm deep, ensure cool pre-chill if needed, and provide bright, cool conditions during bud formation
✂️How to Propagate freesia
Propagate freesias by dividing corms in late summer or by sowing seeds. For division: lift corm clusters once foliage has yellowed, separate offsets, allow to dry for a few days, then plant corms 5 cm deep and 8–10 cm apart in well-draining mix, keeping them cool and slightly moist. For seed: sow fresh seed in trays, keep at cool temperatures and expect 1–2 years to flowering from seed.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Iridaceae
Native to: Cape Provinces of South Africa (Western and Eastern Cape)
Natural Habitat: Freesias originate from Mediterranean-type regions of southern Africa, growing on well-drained rocky slopes with cool, wet winters and dry, sunny summers.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
In mild climates keep corms cool and slightly moist during winter growth; in cold regions lift corms after foliage dies and store dry at 10–15°C.
Spring
Spring is peak growth: provide bright light, regular watering, and a weekly dilute balanced fertilizer to support blooms.
Summer
After flowering let foliage yellow naturally; reduce watering as plants enter dormancy. Lift and dry corms if summers are wet or very hot.
Fall
Replant stored corms in well-draining soil as temperatures cool; keep soil moist but not waterlogged to initiate root growth before winter.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should I plant freesia corms?
Plant corms 4–6 cm deep and 8–10 cm apart in well-draining soil; shallower planting helps earlier shoots emerge.
When do freesias bloom?
Freesias typically bloom in spring when planted in autumn or late winter, though exact timing depends on when corms are planted and local climate.
Can I grow freesias in pots indoors?
Yes. Use a deep pot with excellent drainage, bright indirect light and cool nights to encourage flowering indoors.
Should I cut back foliage after flowering?
Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed corms; only remove dead leaves. Trim after they have yellowed fully.
Do freesias need fertilizer?
Feed weekly during active growth with a balanced, dilute fertilizer; stop feeding when foliage dies back for dormancy.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025