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Growing Freesias
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Posted by Flwr_Zab_z5a CT (My Page) on Mon, Jul 11, 05 at 21:12
| I posted this in the bulbs forum:
I live in Northern CT and am trying to grow a number of freesias to no avail. The double freesias I put in my planters were all dug up & eaten (by..??) I planted 'hardy' single red and white freesias in my garden, but haven't seen a single sign of life from any and I planted them about 2 months ago, with no signs of any animal intervention.
I'm also trying to grow some of the double freesias inside, and again, no sign of life.
What am I doing wrong?? Thanks!
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Growing Freesias
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| The main problem is that you are expecting them to grow in the wrong season. Freesias are not summer bulbs. They will put out their leaves in the winter and bloom in the early spring in habitat. They will then go dormant and can return in early fall and have a second bloom in late fall. They DO NOT want any water after they have gone dormant in late spring. If they are watered when they are dormant they will probably rot. If you have been watering them, you probably have none left. Check each pot for bulbs. If you do have some left, LEAVE THEM ALONE. Put the pot somewhere where it's protected from rain and bright sun. Bring the pot out in September/October after the leaves have begun to emerge. They should do this with no help from you. Since you're in Connecticut, you will need to provide them protection from the cold for most of the winter. They do not like temperatures below freezing. I suggest lifting the bulbs and storing them, and replant in the spring when all danger of frost has passed. Hope this helps. |
RE: Growing Freesias
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| I live in coastal Connecticut and have grown freesias a couple of times. Faeden is correct about them not growing during the summer here. I pot mine up in early October (they won't survive a Connecticut winter) and then keep them in the house. You have to keep them COOL. If you keep them warm during the winter the buds dry out and the plant dies. I kept them in an unheated sun porch with day temps in the 70s... nights in the 40s-50s and they bloomed well. They take work, but smell so good. Best of Luck!
Tim |
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