Freesias, the most fragrant and colorful in the garden -

Freesias constitute a genus of approximately 6 species of plants. They come from South Africa and are popular all over the world. Most often it is known as a greenhouse plant, grown for cut flowers, bouquets.

The garden freesia, planted in flower beds, is less well known. It is a plant with beautiful, showy, bell-shaped flowers, with an intense fragrance and a variety of colors.

The color of freesia flowers can also have some hidden meaning. Red freesias are associated with the fact that someone enjoys the presence of a person, yellow signifies jealousy and white - innocence.

Garden freesia and potted freesia - differences

Freesias in the garden can have a variety of flower colors: red, white, orange, purple, pink, violet, and yellow. It has a very characteristic sweet smell, so it is recommended for planting near gazebos or house windows. Brightly colored flowers, such as white freesia, have the most intense fragrance.

Gardening is not easy and is recommended for experienced growers. Freesia is very sensitive to cold and temperature changes. If it is grown in a pot, indoors or on balconies, it has better flowering results. They are much easier to protect against the cold when the temperature changes suddenly.

Freesia is also sensitive to water scarcity and wind. Being a bulbous plant that does not overwinter in the ground.

So it can also be a hassle when freesia bulbs need to be pulled at the right time in the fall and stored until next year. The height of the plant is 30 to 45 centimeters.

Potted freesia is easier to care for as it remains in the pot all the time, even after the leaves have dried. The plant goes into a dormant period, it no longer needs watering in the fall.

Growing it at home requires leaving the plant in a cool place (around 10-15 degrees Celsius) with access to light. The plant stores nutrients for the next year of life at this time.

Potting is definitely easier and less time consuming. Freesias planted in the garden require careful observation of conditions and control of room temperature.

When to plant freesias?

Freesias in greenhouse conditions have the ability to bloom all year round. If freesias are grown in the garden, the bulbs are planted in the ground just after the first frost. The flowering period will fall in July and August. At home, you need a pot with a minimum diameter of 30 centimeters to grow. In it, you can plant 5 freesia bulbs. The land must be loose, fertile. A pot with holes will let the water through. A layer of stones at the bottom of the pot is important to provide drainage. Freesia bulbs are planted in a pot in late August and September. After a few weeks, rooting will occur and the leaves will begin to develop during the spring.

When the germination period begins in the pot, you should start watering the plant. Another date that freesia is planted in a pot is April and May.

How to grow freesias?

Garden freesias grow only in sunlit positions. They must have ideal soil conditions, fertile and well-drained substrate. If the garden has impermeable soil, before planting freesia, a special hole should be dug to a depth of 20 centimeters and filled with compost or clay soil with sand. The reaction should be neutral or slightly acidic.

The bulbs are planted in holes made in the ground, 7 centimeters deep. The distance between them should be about 10 centimeters.

From the moment the first leaves appear until the end of the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly. Using a multi-component liquid fertilizer will also work well.

In addition, if the freesia has tall shoots, it will be necessary to secure them with a support, since the thin and long leaves tend to fall easily.