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There is another plant that is consonant with freesia - this is Frizee (incorrect interpretation - Vriese). Our heroine freesia comes from wild african bulbous plants and got its name from the surname of the German doctor Frida Frese then, like Frizei Hispanic roots, and it belongs to a completely different genus of plants. In Europe and Asia, freesia has become widespread thanks to the Netherlands, a state with a thriving flower business. Our florists living in the middle lane, and even in Siberia, have many questions related to planting and growing these flowers in the open field.
Fragrant beauty from Africa
Walking along the alleys of city parks in Siberia, the Urals or the Volga region, admiring the beauty of flowers in flower beds, an ignorant person cannot even imagine that freesia is a representative of the African flora. It perfectly tolerates our climatic conditions, the aroma of freesia on our land is as strong as in Africa. Such a miracle will be a wonderful decoration for your flower beds: at home, on the balcony, in summer cottages and in manor greenhouses.
Morphology
The structure and shape of freesias of all varieties differ little from each other, the main differences may be in the color and shape of the flowers, as well as in the height of the plant stem. In the photo you see an instance of a common freesia, according to the botanical description, the plant is divided into the following parts:
- freesia roots - medium-sized corms from 2 to 7 centimeters or more, in the process of growth, small growths are formed on the bulb, which are easily separated from the uterine tuber, but can exist nearby as an independent plant for as long as necessary. They grow according to the principle "in close quarters, but not in offense", this situation is typical for planting freesias, they love close contacts;
- freesia leaves - grow directly from the bulb, pecking out of the scales, in a short time (1-2 weeks) reach a length of 15-30 cm, narrow (1-2 cm), there is a pronounced vein in the center of the leaf, prone to lodging, therefore, a garter is needed to the support, color of leaves in natural green shades;
- freesia stalks - thin and bare, their height can vary depending on the variety from 20 to 75 cm (sometimes up to 1 m), strongly branched at the top, several peduncles (2-12 pieces) nest on the outgoing stems, located in series;
- flowers - medium-sized, shaped like a funnel on a narrow neck, the number of petals is from 6 to 10 pieces, inside the funnel the color of flowers in a contrasting color, sharply different from the main color of the petals, but there are monochrome palettes: pure white, plain blue, yellow, flowers are very fragrant, fragrant with an aroma reminiscent of the smell of lily of the valley;
- freesia fruit - small seed pods with dark brown seeds.
More than 150 varieties and hybrids of this plant have been bred since the beginning of breeding work, there are different types for growing freesia at home, in the open field, in greenhouses and greenhouses, the color of the flowers is so diverse that when choosing, the eyes get tired of their brightness and color.
Varieties
We are not able to describe all the existing varieties and hybrids of freesia, it is simply impossible, but we will still tell you something about some of their brightest representatives.
Cardinal - flower petals are red-orange, yellow funnel with dark lines, 9-11 inflorescence nests on the peduncle.
Freesia Armstrong - color of flowers in red-pink tones, the height of the plant's trunk reaches 70 cm.
Ballerina - the flowers are painted in a snow-white color with yellow spots inside the funnel and on the petals, up to 12 flowers are formed on the inflorescences.
Rose Marie - the color is pale pink, crimson, inside the funnel is white with pink veins, the number of flowers on the peduncle is up to 7 pieces.
Pimperina - short plant (up to 20 cm), white flower petals are covered with yellow spots, weak aroma.
Alba - large snow-white flowers are covered with slightly noticeable purple strokes.
Fragrant freesia - yellow, almost monochrome, color of petals, only inside the funnel there is a small yellow-orange speck, fragrant with lily of the valley aroma.
How to grow freesia in the garden
Growing freesia in the open field is a completely simple process, you just need to follow the most elementary rules of planting and care. This bulbous plant is sure to bloom and fill the air in your gardens with a sweet, aromatic scent.
Preparing and planting bulbs
The first step is the preparation of the planting material.
- Freesia bulbs must be carefully inspected after opening the package.
- Remove all dried and rotten (if any) specimens.
- Peel the bulb from freely separating scales, do not remove the upper part adjacent to the nest, free the lower part from dirt and dry earth.
- For disinfection and prevention of diseases, place the bulbs in a fungicide solution for 30 minutes.
- Prepare containers (you can take simple plastic cups or special pots for seedlings), fill them up to half with loose earth.
- Place 3 freesia bulbs in one container, slightly pressing into the substrate, add the earth so that it covers the entire lower part, pour water over it. After the earth has shrunk, add more substrate.
- Place the container in a warm but not hot place for germination.
This operation begins in the spring 2-4 weeks before planting in open ground, if such a planting is scheduled for the end of May, then the bulbs can be planted in mid-to-late April. Watch the video recommendations of an experienced grower, she tells and shows how to prepare and plant freesia bulbs for germination.
Seedling care
During the month when the freesia bulbs are germinating, they need the following care:
- watering - after 1-3 days, once a week, combine it with top dressing, additives to stimulate root growth, disinfection of the soil (potassium permanganate);
- disease prevention - spray 1 time with special solutions of fungicides (from powdery mildew) in 2 weeks;
- necessary conditions for the normal growth of freesia - in case of insufficient lighting (slow growth of leaves), place containers closer to the light, with excess sun and high air temperature (rapid growth), rearrange the pots to a cooler and darker place;
- hardening freesia - two weeks after planting the bulbs, or 10-12 days before planting in open ground, daily take out containers with seedlings outside, on a balcony or another place protected from drafts for hardening. Time - start at 30 minutes, gradually increasing it up to night hours.
A novice florist tells about his way of caring for freesia and the mistakes made in this process in the attached video. Check it out and try not to make such mistakes.
Landing in the ground
In the spring, when the threat of frost on the soil has passed, at the end of April and until the end of May, freesia can be planted on open flower beds and flower beds, not forgetting that this plant loves heat, so you need to prepare an insulating coating, at least for 2-3 weeks, while the freesia will adapt to the conditions in the new location. Our planting recommendations:
- the soil - must be very loose, well aerated for water and air, fertile, low acid, usually the soil is fertilized a year before planting, then in the spring this does not need to be done, if the soil is not prepared, then all fertilizers: organic matter and minerals are applied a month before planting , the earth is carefully dug up and loosened several times;
- planting depth - germinated bulbs must be planted to a depth of no more than 15-20 cm, put 3 seedlings side by side, sprinkle with earth, spill and mulch with peat or dry compost;
- family landings - a characteristic feature in growing freesia is close planting, three-bulb families are planted very close, no further than 10-15 cm from each other, at this distance they feel great and can support leaves and stems of neighboring plants prone to drooping;
- supports and stands - leaves and stems of very high freesias (up to 70 cm) as they grow will need to be strengthened on racks and small trellises, it is better to prepare them in advance;
- warming - in case of sudden cold snaps and cool night hours, prepare low brackets-holders and PVC film.
You will receive a practical lesson on how to plant freesia in open ground by additionally watching a useful video.
Features of growing in Siberia
There are no radical differences in the cultivation of freesia in Siberian conditions, or almost nonexistent, but it can be noted:
- Bulbs for germination are not planted at the end of April, but 2 weeks earlier.
- They are planted in open ground later, at the end of May, in June.
- For the winter, the bulbs are dug up at the end of autumn, and until spring they are stored in basements and insulated sheds.
These are very minor differences in planting in terms of timing. Freesia bloom in Siberia just like in other, less severe regions of the country, until the coldest autumn days.
Use in garden design
In the garden, you can create unique compositions of freesia of different varieties. A delicate or brightly colored wall made of these flowers will decorate any corner, garden path or gazebo. For the designer, these plants give a wide path for their fantasies, and not only for professionals, but also for ordinary amateur flower growers, freesia is an inexhaustible well of beauty and divine aroma.
Conclusion
Grow freesias, these are flowers for the heart and soul, live happily ever after, and if we missed something in our tips, watch another video that unites all this information. Good luck.
