Η Freesia (freesia refracts) is a fall planting bulb. They are herbaceous plants that grow from a conical bulb 1–2,5 cm in diameter. It is planted from September to November. Blooms in late winter or mid-spring.
Leaves
From the bulb grow the leaves which are elongated, lance-shaped, medium in size and have a bright green color. The leaves reach a height of 10–30 cm.
Terrain
It prefers soils of medium texture (sandy loam), rich in organic matter (compost), which do not retain high percentages of moisture.
Position
It is planted in flower beds or plant containers that receive direct sunlight and are protected from strong winds. It is a relatively resistant plant to low winter temperatures.
Watering
It has moderate water requirements, with the exception of the summer months when it needs plenty of water. The soil should not be dry, but not too wet either.
Planting depth
The rule is that the planting depth is twice or three times the diameter of the bulb. In light, sandy soils the planting is done deeper in contrast to the clay soils that are done at a shallower depth.
Pruning
After the end of flowering, they are pruned low and the bulbs are removed from their place, to be planted again the following year. If we leave them in the soil the following year they will not bloom or will produce flowers of lesser decorative value.
Enemies and Diseases
The problem, as with almost all bulbous plants, is soil fungal infestations, which cause rotting of the bulb and destruction of the plant. These fungi attack the bulbs, during periods where there is intense soil moisture, due to the prevailing conditions or due to excessive watering.
Bulb
Available in yellow, white, red, pink and lilac.
