The freesias from South Africa cannot exactly be described as easy to care for, but they are not extremely demanding either. With a little care and sensitivity, you can enjoy a delicate abundance of flowers for several weeks.
How do you properly care for freesias?
Freesias require a sunny location, well-drained and moist soil, plenty of water during the growth phase and sparing fertilization every four weeks. After flowering, the foliage should dry out and the tubers should be stored in a dry and airy place at 15 to 20 °C in winter.
Location and soil
Location and soil are very important for freesia. If it doesn't feel well, it won't produce any flowers. Therefore, plant your freesias in a sunny and warm place with moist but well-drained soil. Rain damages the sensitive leaves and flowers of the freesia, so the location should be well protected. Freesias are also suitable as houseplants.
Watering and fertilizing
Your freesia needs plenty of water, especially during the growth phase. But always water so that the water does not hit the leaves and flowers. Fertilizer is only necessary in moderation, about every four weeks. Make sure there is a sufficiently high potassium content (€16.00 on Amazon).
The wintering
After flowering, let the foliage of your freesias dry out completely before cutting them off. This allows the plant to store strength and nutrients for overwintering and new growth in spring.
Before the first frost, take the tubers of your outdoor freesias out of the ground, dry them for a few days and then store them in a box filled with straw. Place these in a well-ventilated room with a temperature of around 15°C to 20°C. You don't have to dig up freesias in pots, they can overwinter in them, but they must not be watered.
The most important things in brief:
- not hardy, so only plant out after the ice saints
- Keep soil well moist
- water regularly
- Protect leaves and flowers from irrigation water and rain
- fertilize sparingly about every week
- Make sure to let the leaves dry on the plant
- Store the tuber dry and airy in winter at approx. 15 °C to 20 °C
Tip
After a few years, your freesia will form so-called daughter tubers, from which you can grow new plants.
