While freesias from South Africa used to be traded almost exclusively as cut flowers or house plants, there are now more and more species that can also be planted in the garden. However, these varieties are not winter hardy.
Where can I overwinter freesias?
Under no circumstances should you overwinter your freesias in the garden, as they absolutely cannot tolerate frost. Even as a houseplant, the freesia cannot be cultivated all year round, because after flowering the foliage withers and the plant goes into a dormant phase.
Always allow the foliage to dry directly on the plant before cutting it off and digging up the tuber. Then let the tuber dry for a few days, clean it and then store it in a wooden box filled with straw (€14.00 on Amazon). Alternatively, a cardboard box or a net are also suitable.
Good air circulation in the winter quarters is important. Plastic boxes or bags are therefore not suitable for storage. The tubers hardly need any care in winter. Just make sure that the temperature in the winter quarters is between 15 °C and 20 °C. You can plant your freesias again after the Ice Saints in May.
Will my freesia bloom again next year?
Although it is possible to get freesias to bloom again, there is no guarantee. The prerequisite is that the freesia overwinters optimally. To do this, it must be taken out of the ground before the first frost. In some cases, however, there are also prepared tubers on the market that only bloom once. Overwintering here is not worth it at all.
The most important things in brief:
- not hardy
- Be sure to dig up the tuber before the first frost
- only overwinter he althy, sufficiently large and undamaged tubers
- After drying, store in straw at 15 °C to 20 °C
- ensure sufficient air circulation
Tip
If you would like to overwinter the tubers of your freesias, it is best to get them out of the ground in October. This way you avoid the sensitive tubers being damaged by early night frosts.
