How to Grow Freesia
Freesia x hybrida
Freesias are half-hardy corms prized for their intense fragrance and elegant funnel-shaped flowers. Plant corms 5cm deep in full sun after the last frost, in well-drained soil enriched with compost. Support stems with twiggy sticks as they grow. Cut flowers when the first florets open for long-lasting arrangements. After flowering, let foliage die back naturally for 6 weeks, then lift corms and store frost-free over winter.
When to Start
Best started from plugs, corms, or slips. Pot up indoors 6 weeks before last frost, then plant out once soil reaches 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed every two weeks once shoots appear. Switch to high-potash feed when buds form.
- Freesias are prized for their intense fragrance and elegant trumpet-shaped blooms. Support floppy stems with twiggy sticks or grow-through rings.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–20°C
- Direct sow
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 10 cm |
| Row spacing | 20 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 40 cm |
| Mature spread | 15 cm |
Plant corms 5cm deep and 10cm apart in groups for best visual impact. Stagger planting for extended flowering.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on shoot tips and flower buds, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin if severe
Pest Thrips
Identification: Tiny slender insects visible inside flowers; silvery or brown streaking on petals and leaves
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide when damage appears
- Remove and destroy badly affected flowers
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing lambda-cyhalothrin
Pest Spider Mites
Identification: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled yellowish discoloration on upper leaf surfaces
- Increase humidity by misting regularly
- Introduce predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis under glass
- Spray with miticide if infestation is severe
Disease Fusarium Wilt Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli
Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting of leaves starting from one side; brown discoloration inside the corm when cut open
Treatment: Destroy affected corms immediately. Do not replant freesias in the same soil for at least 4 years
Prevention: Inspect corms before planting and discard soft or discoloured ones. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey mould on flowers and stems, especially in cool damp weather; buds may fail to open
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected parts promptly. Improve air circulation
Prevention: Space plants well, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good ventilation in containers
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–20°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Freesia?
- Plant Freesia 10cm apart with 20cm between rows.
- When does Freesia flower?
- Freesia typically flowers approximately 100 days after transplanting.
- Is Freesia frost hardy?
- Freesia is classified as Half Hardy.
