Hey Lykkers, if you love beautiful flowers and sweet fragrances in your home, freesia might just be the perfect plant for you! This charming flower, also known as the "fragrant snow lily," is a perennial herb from the iris family that originates from the sunny regions of South Africa.

It's easy to grow, and with the right care, we can enjoy its delightful scent all through the colder months. Let's dive into the characteristics of freesia and learn how to grow it like a pro!

Characteristics of Freesia

Freesia, is a perennial herb that belongs to the iris family. Its bulb is oval or cone-shaped, covered with a thin brown membrane. The stem is slender and slightly branching, with long, narrow leaves growing in two rows along the stem. These leaves are about 40 cm long and lance-shaped, with smooth edges. The flower cluster is terminal, meaning it grows at the top of the plant, and the flowers are spaced out and upright, giving the plant an elegant appearance.

The flowers themselves come in beautiful colors such as pale yellow, creamy white, and purple-red, with a pleasant fragrance. The flower stalks may have 5 to 6 flowers or more, depending on the size of the plant. The bracts are white and membranous, while the petals form a narrow, funnel-like shape, about 4 cm long. These lovely flowers bloom in the spring if the bulbs are planted in the fall. Planting them in stages can ensure your home stays fragrant from winter through to late spring.

How to Grow Freesias

Freesias thrive in cool, moist environments and need plenty of sunlight. They're quite sensitive to cold, so make sure to plant them in a spot where they get ample light but are not exposed to frost. Typically, freesias are planted in the fall, when the weather cools down. They grow in the fall and bloom in the spring, then go dormant during the summer.

For beginners, you can start by planting small bulbs, about the size of your thumb (around 1 cm in diameter). These will bloom by the following spring. If you plant smaller bulbs, they will likely take another year to bloom. After flowering, the old bulb will die off, and new bulbs will sprout beneath it. These new bulbs can be cultivated and will also eventually bloom.

When planting your freesia bulbs, make sure to separate the larger bulbs (those that will bloom) from the smaller ones. For the larger bulbs, plant 5 to 6 in each container. The smaller bulbs, which are primarily for growing new bulbs, should be planted in separate pots.

Planting and Care Tips

When it comes to the soil, we recommend a mixture of equal parts of humus and garden soil. Plant the bulbs in August or September, and they should bloom by December. During the growing season, the temperature should stay between 15 and 20°C, and the plants need plenty of sunlight. Regular fertilization will help the plants grow strong and healthy, but be sure to keep the soil moist at all times. Good ventilation is also important to prevent the growth of mold or disease.

Once the flowers have bloomed, it's time to gradually reduce watering. As the leaves start to yellow, remove the bulbs from the soil, let them dry out, and store them in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, away from direct sunlight. This will help the bulbs remain healthy for the next planting season.

Dealing with Falling Blooms

One thing to keep in mind while growing freesias is that the flowers are quite top-heavy, which means they can easily tip over. To avoid this, we suggest using stakes to support the flowers and prevent them from falling. With proper care and support, your freesia flowers will thrive and continue to bring a delightful fragrance to your home.

Growing freesias can be an incredibly rewarding experience for us. Their delicate, sweet fragrance and beautiful colors make them a perfect addition to any home or garden. By following these simple steps—preparing the right environment, planting the bulbs at the right time, and taking care of them during the growing season—we can enjoy these wonderful flowers year after year.

What do you think, Lykkers? Have you ever grown freesias or any other fragrant flowers? We'd love to hear about your experiences or any tips you have for successful flower growing. Happy gardening, everyone!

Freesias

Video: J. Parker's