Freesias are prized for their bright colors and sweet fragrance. Unlike some flowers that can be grown from seeds or cuttings, freesias are best cultivated from bulbs to ensure a reliable and vibrant bloom. If you've bought a bouquet of bulbs, it's important to know when and how to plant them to achieve a stunning display.
Whether you're growing them indoors in pots, outdoors in flower beds, or even planting a bulb lawn for a natural, meadow-like effect, these bulbs need the right conditions and proper timing to thrive. Since ideal planting times vary by location, it’s important to plan accordingly.
Here’s everything you need to know about when, where, and how to plant freesia bulbs for successful blooms.
The best time to plant freesia bulbs
Successful growth of freesia bulbs depends on the timing of their planting. The right planting time for your freesia bulbs will depend on your climate and whether you’re growing freesias indoors or outdoors.
Indoor planting
‘For indoor growing freesias, you can either plant them in fall, if you want them to flower in late winter, or anytime from January until March so that they can flower in summer,’ explains gardening expert Angelika Zaber.
Angelika Zaber is a gardening specialist who works for turf, seed, and soil company Online Turf. She provides horticultural advice that encourages both novice and experienced gardeners to have healthy, vibrant outdoor spaces all year round.
Outdoor planting
If you’re planting freesias outdoors, timing varies by climate zone.
Cool climates (zones 3-8): Freesia does not do well in the cold. So, if you live in zones 3-8, you should plant freesia bulbs in the spring, once the last frost of the season has passed.
Using plant covers – such as this best-selling plant cover from Amazon – provides a controlled environment that can create the ideal humidity and temperature for growth, helping protect young plants from unexpected frosts or harsh weather conditions.
Warm climates (zones 9-10): In warmer US hardiness zones, freesia bulbs can be one of the best spring bulbs to plant in fall, as it gives them time to establish before spring.
If you're looking to buy freesia bulbs, Walmart offers a pack of ten mixed-color bulbs.
How to plant freesia bulbs
1. Choose the right spot
First, find the ideal spot to put them. ‘Freesia plants are sun-lovers and should be placed where they receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day,' advises Angelika Zaber. 'Indoors, this would typically be near a south-facing window.’
2. Prepare the soil
‘Freesias thrive best in well-drained soil that’s enriched with organic matter, such as sandy or loamy soil with compost mixed in,’ says Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nursery. Freesias also prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. We recommend using this Wakefield compost + biochar soil conditioner from Walmart. This mix contains compost to enrich the soil, biochar to improve drainage, and mycorrhizal fungi to support root development. These components help maintain the slightly acidic to neutral pH that freesias prefer.
‘For outdoor freesias, a well-drained soil neutral to alkaline and enriched with lots of organic matter is going to be the best choice,' explains Angelika Zaber. Loosen the soil to about 8 inches deep. You can mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil fertility.
For indoor freesias, it is best to plant them in a mix of two-thirds loam-based compost, and one-third of grit for better drainage.
3. Planting depth and spacing
In terms of how deep to plant bulbs, freesias should be planted about 2 inches deep, with the tip facing upward.
Space the bulbs about 3-4 inches apart to allow sufficient room for growth.
4. Cover and water
Once the bulbs are planted, cover them with soil, ensuring they are buried. Gently firm the soil down to remove air pockets but avoid pressing it too hard, which could compact the soil.
Water the bulbs immediately after planting to help settle the soil around them.
Tammy Sons is a horticulture plant expert, garden writer, and educator. Tammy is the CEO and founder of TN Nursery, a thriving online plant nursery based in Altamont, Tennessee. She is also a prolific writer, sharing her knowledge through articles on various gardening topics, including plant care, sustainable landscaping, and the latest trends in horticulture.
Post-planting care
Watering: During the growing season, water the freesia bulbs about once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. In hotter weather, you may need to water more frequently.
Freesias prefer a moist environment, but excessive water can lead to root rot, so drainage is key. When growing indoors, make sure the soil doesn’t stay too wet, as the lack of outdoor airflow can trap moisture. Ensure that the pot has good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
Feeding: After the bulbs begin to sprout, feed them with a potash-rich fertilizer every two weeks to encourage healthy growth. A great option for a potash-rich fertilizer is Miracle-Gro water soluble bloom booster flower food, from Walmart.
Supporting the stems: As the freesias grow, their stems may bend. To keep them upright, use stakes or twiggy sticks for support.
Ongoing care
To ensure successful blooming and long-lasting flowers, it is important to care for your freesias properly.
Continue to water regularly throughout the growing season. Freesias thrive in moist but well-drained soil, so always monitor soil moisture and adjust watering as necessary. Using a moisture meter such as this soil moisture meter from Amazon can make this process simpler.
Once the leaves start growing, feed the bulbs with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks to promote strong, healthy growth.
Remove any spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering to allow the bulbs to store energy for the next cycle.
If you're not ready to plant your freesias right now, properly storing your bulbs is essential to keep them healthy and ready to bloom in the next growing season. Alternatively, if you're concerned that an impending frost may damage your bulbs, lifting, cleaning, and storing them can protect them from frost and help keep them thriving year after year.
The key to successful bulb storage is providing the right environment – keep them cool, dry, and well-ventilated.
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