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Bulbs, Tubers, and Roots
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Grown from corms, freesias come in a broad array of colors. These colors include yellows, blues, pinks,
fuschias. and whites. A key feature of the freesia is its fragrance which is most noticeable in the yellow and white flowers.
Elegance, lively colors, and fragrance make freesias a delight when displayed in the home.
Freesias are native to South Africa. The corms can tolerate temperatures as cold as 20½
(in the ground). The plant will not tolerate freezing temperatures.
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basic cultural tips
light Brightly diffused to bright
fertilizer None is required.
temp. The plant prefers cooler temperatures
(40½ - 55½F night temperatures). While the plant will
not tolerate freezing temperatures, the corm can tolerate 20½ F providing it is submerged in
the ground.
watering Keep moist at all times. (not wet)
maintaining freshness
A trick to maintain the fresh appearance of a freesia is simply to pluck off aged, dried flowers as they mature.
The plant will maintain a fresh appearance for quite a while, providing you supply it with the other
cultural requirements described.
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troubleshooting
1. Buds failed to mature
Select a plant with more closed buds next time, night temperature too high, soil allowed to dry for too long
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2. Yellow foliage
Soil dried out excessively, too much
fertilizer.(none is required), plant over-watered
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3. Not very fragrant
All varieties are fragrant, however, some varieties are more fragrant than others.
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4. Did not last
Review above tips closer, select a plant with more closed buds for longer life, plant may have dried out or
have been watered excessively, night temps too high
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life after death
After you have enjoyed your freesia in pots, keep the soil moist until the foliage is completely yellow
and has dried back. At this point, stop watering altogether and allow the soil to dry thoroughly. Cut off all yellow
and dead leaves. At this time, you may go out into the garden with the corms.
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garden culture - zone 9 & 10
Keep the corms dry in the pot and in a warm spot
(75½ - 90½F) until fall. Then find a spot with
well-drained soil and plant the corms in the ground 2 inches deep and 2 inches apart. Start watering
regularly throughout the growing and blooming season. Once summer comes, leave the corms in the ground and
allow them to dry out completely. Freesia corms multiply. If you desire to multiply production, you can dig
out corms after foliage yellows and store in a dry, warm place through the summer. Replant in the fall.
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