Freesias are not only popular cut flowers, they can also be cultivated very well in pots for the apartment or balcony. For a long time, the South African beauties were sold as houseplants, but not as garden plants.
How do I properly cultivate freesias in a pot?
Freesias in pots require a warm, bright location, abundant watering without waterlogging, sparing fertilization every 4 weeks and overwintering at 15-20°C. They are demanding but attractive potted plants for rooms, balconies, terraces and gardens.
Where is the right place for freesias?
The freesia likes it warm, but it cannot tolerate rain or frost at all. She is welcome to spend the summer outside, but should move back into the apartment early in the fall. The freesia is best kept at temperatures between 15 °C and 20 °C, then lush flowering is possible.
How do I care for freesias in a pot?
No matter whether your freesias grow in the garden or are cultivated as a houseplant, they are not among the easiest plants to care for. Although they require a lot of water, they do not like wet leaves and flowers. So water abundantly, but always close to the ground so that only the soil gets wet. Fertilize sparingly and not too often.
To avoid waterlogging, you should give your freesia a drainage layer in the pot (€19.00 at Amazon). This will prevent the tuber from starting to rot. Even if it looks rather unsightly, especially on potted plants, you should not cut off the wilting leaves too early. She still needs her freesia to get energy from it. This energy is stored in the tuber and is needed for budding next year.
Where do my freesias go in winter?
Since freesias are not hardy, they cannot be left outside. Be sure to store the tubers in a dry, well-ventilated and air-conditioned location at around 15°C to 20°C. They can remain in the pot, but must not be watered in winter. This reduces the need for care to practically zero.
The most important things in brief:
- good for cultivation in pots, suitable for rooms, balconies, terraces and gardens
- not hardy
- Location: bright, warm, protected from rain
- high water requirement
- fertilize sparingly about every 4 weeks
- Overwintering in a pot possible
Tip
Freesias are very attractive potted plants, but unfortunately not easy to care for.
