Freesia hybrida, 'Royal Crown' Formula Mixed

Germination

Sow indoors at any time if growing as a house plant or in summer-autumn for outdoor planting. Prior to sowing soak seed for 24 hours in warm water. Sow 5mm deep into moist, well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 18-29°C. Germination takes 25-30 days approx. Even under ideal conditions germination can be slow and erratic. Once germinated grow on allowing corms to form. Will take 8-12 months to flower from seed. See our website for tips on growing Freesias.

Growing

Plant corms up to 5cm deep in moist, well-drained, loamy soil in full or partial sun. Prefers a little light shade. When in growth fertilise with a potash-rich feed or a tomato fertiliser. Can be container grown under glass. Keep moist at all times. Flower stems may require support.

Cultivation

To flower reliably corms should be lifted after flowering, in December, and stored carefully until replanting. A heat treatment is required to break dormancy, 12 weeks at 30°C, followed by warmth until the frosts have passed and the corms are placed back in the ground. Flowering occurs approx. 100-120 days from replanting.