They are half hardy, cormous perennials from sandy, lowland soils to rocky upland slopes in South Africa, growing from a corm of 1-2.5 cm diameter, which sends up a tuft of narrow leaves of 10-30 cm long and a sparsely branched stem of 10-40 cm tall bearing a few leaves and a loose one-sided spike of funnel-shaped, usually scented, brightly colored flowers that appear in late winter to early spring. There are both double and single flower forms. Their color may vary from white to pink, orange, red, yellow, blue or lavender.
In frost-prone areas grow freesias in a cool greenhouse. Specially prepared corms may be used outdoors for summer flowering. In warmer areas grow freesias in groups in a mixed border.
Growing Freesias indoors
For growing under glass, plant the corms in loam-based potting compost with added grit. Put them in a place shade from sun and keep moist until established, then grow them on in full light with good ventilation and water freely. Keep temperature below 13 Celsius degrees (55 F) and after the flower buds appear apply a balanced liquid fertilizer weekly. After flowering gradually reduce water until dry then store corms for replanting in containers in late summer or autumn. For propagation you can remove the small offsets from corms in autumn.
Growing Freesias in the garden
For growing freesias outdoors, plant the corms 8 cm deep, in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a place with full sun. Plant the corms in spring for summer flowering or if you live in a frost-free area plant the corms in autumn for spring flowers.
Propagation
Freesia can be grown from either corms or seed. If you are going to grow them from seeds you should soak the seeds in warm water for a day then sow them at a depth of 6 mm. Sow seeds in autumn or winter at 13-18 Celsius degrees (55-64 F).
