General

Freesias have been a popular cut flower for a long time. They are available in single flowering varieties and double flowering varieties.

Growing Area and Planting

Freesias should be grown in a greenhouse environment in order to control temperature, light and humidity. Use a well ventilated greenhouse that allows for plenty of sunlight. Run it at 55 F at night and 68 F during the day for best results. Shade is recommended for crops that are grown in the spring or summer. Freesias can be planted in flats or beds using a well draining planting medium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.0. Plant the bulbs approximately 2" deep at a rate of 10 bulbs per square foot. In order to have better control over the soil temperature, cover your planted bulbs with a layer of straw.

Apply wire mesh right before or right after planting. Wire mesh is necessary to support the plants once they start to stretch. Dip bulbs prior to planting in a fungicide solution to prevent problems with disease. For starting growers we recommend the RAPID varieties, since they flower quickly and are not as susceptible to temperature fluctuations.

Timing

Freesias that are forced in the greenhouse take approximately 120 days until the first flower appears. Once the flowering begins, the span of flowering is usually 4 weeks long. Freesias do not like high temperatures. Try to grow your crop cool. If the crop needs to be sped up, the day temperature can be raised to 70 F. In spring and summer the temperature can be raised even a little higher. If the crop needs to be slowed down, temperatures during the night can be dropped to 48 F and during the day to 52 F.

Soil Requirements and Watering

Use a pH of 6.5 - 7.0 sterile well draining planting medium. Water thoroughly right after planting and keep soil slightly moist until signs of vigorous growth are visible, then increase watering. Always irrigate in the morning, so the crop can dry during the day. Drip irrigation is preferred.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing can start as soon as the plants have established a healthy root system. A slow release fertilizer (13-13-13) can be used or use 200 pm N of 20-20-20 every other week.

Maintenance

If it appears that your plants are making heavy foliage you should cut some of the foliage away to provide more light to get to the emerging flowers. The trimming of foliage should start when the shoots are up approximately 2". In order to get quality stems any extra shoots that emerge after the main shoot is growing should be removed.