How to multiply Freesia bulbs in autumn and best cultivate this splendid ornamental plant with a beloved and sought-after scent
How to multiply Freesia bulbs in autumn and best cultivate this splendid ornamental plant with a beloved and sought-after scent
Freesia is a bulbous herbaceous plant belonging to the Iridaceae family. It comes from South Africa but develops well in all temperate climate zones. In our peninsula it is easy to grow it from north to south, but there is one region in particular that has specialized in industrial cultivation for the sale of cut flowers: Liguria. (Autumn is the perfect time to plant bulbs: 10 flowers to put in October in pots or in the garden)
Index
Features
It does not exceed 30 cm in height and there are many different qualities or cultivars, at least 16 are known, created above all to expand the range of colors. In fact, its flowers can be white, yellow, orange, red up to blue and even purple. There are also varieties with mottled or spotted colors. The best known and most widespread quality is the Fresia Alba.
Its appearance is characterized by the small and oval corm (bulb), from which the stem and leaves develop, which do not exceed 30 cm in length and are fleshy. The flowers are bell-shaped and in groups of corollas. They have a fresh, delicate but persistent scent. Its seeds are large and round.
The multiplication of bulbs
@ 123rf.com
Autumn and spring are the ideal time to do this and multiply our plants. In fact, the Freesia bulbs fear the cold so they must be unearthed and stored until the following year when it is time to plant them for the new blooms. Let's see how to proceed:
- we carefully remove all the withered flowers and yellow leaves. This allows the plant to develop better and be healthier;
- unearthing the corms we will be able to notice that they have developed other small bulbs.
- let's divide them gently;
- let's clean them from the earth;
- let's put them in a place sheltered from rain and ventilated to dry them;
- once dry, store them in paper bags with a little bit of sawdust (it will absorb further moisture) at the bottom of the pantry or in a drawer.
How to plant the bulbs
@ 123rf.com
In areas where the winter climate is more rigid, it will be better to plant Freesia bulbs in pots so that they can be sheltered from the first cold. The right period is from August to September, in fact the first leaves will appear at the end of the summer and will continue to germinate until November and when the first colds arrive. The first blooms will occur in spring.
Since the bulbs are not too large, they should be placed in holes about 3 cm deep and spaced 15 cm apart to give sufficient space to the adult plant.
The fertilizations
As soon as the bulb begins to germinate it will be possible to carry out the first fertilizations with a specific product for liquid flowering plants to be diluted in water or with a slow release granular fertilizer.
The watering
If the bulbs are buried in the garden, rainwater alone may suffice. If placed in pots, irrigations must be constant but not abundant since rot is easily risked.
The soil
Since the young sprout must make its way into the earth before reaching the light, it will be good to prepare a soft soil, consisting of universal loam, peat and sand. This mix will make it not only soft and airy but also draining.
The exposure
Like most flowering plants, Freesia also needs a lot of light. But its location must also take into account other determining factors:
- fears drafts;
- thermal changes;
- excess water.
Therefore its ideal place will be bright, dry and with a climate as constant as possible.
The diseases
The main pathologies affecting the Freesia are linked to water stagnation. In fact, these are fungi and molds that easily affect the corm and then show themselves on the leaves through spots or yellowing.
The sowing of Freesia
Propagating the Freesia by seed is very simple thanks to its germination capacity. The best time is between April and May, so you have a better chance of getting stronger and bigger bulbs.
Curiosity
The flowers of this plant are very often used to create bouquets and large floral compositions. This is not only because they grow in clusters but also thanks to the great availability of colors and varieties. However, these are not the only reasons why they are in great demand on the market. In fact, we must know that the cosmetic industry uses large quantities of it for its fragrance which, as we have mentioned, is delicate, fresh but very persistent. Therefore ideal for the production of soaps, creams and lotions.
Follow your Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube
On Freesias and other bulbous plants you may also be interested in:
- Don't throw away the sprouted onions! Plant them to have the fresh ones always available
- Tulips: October is the right month to plant bulbs in pots or in the garden and have beautiful flowers in spring
- Saffron, September is the right month to bury the bulbs of the precious plant to have free red gold in the kitchen
- Tulips: how to grow them, maintenance and care
