Almost everybody is familiar with the gorgeously scented and multicoloured hybrid "florists" freesias. They rank among the most popular cut flowers and, given a minimum of attention, are perfectly easy to grow.
Most of the modern hybrids were first made in the 19th century from a handful of species. These and other species freesias are far less frequently encountered in horticulture - a great sadness, as the genus contains some superbly ornamental and adaptable plants. These range from the lovely, scented Freesia alba and the brilliant red Freesia grandiflora and Freesia laxa, to the bizarre green-flowered Freesia viridis.
All species freesias are native to South Africa, where they are primarily winter growers that flower in Spring - often for weeks on end - and spend the summer months as dormant corms. They have the virtue of being very easily grown from seed. This can be sown thinly at a depth of 5 mm in a gritty seed compost from Autumn to Spring at some 20º C. The seedlings are then grown on in cool, bright conditions. Hybrid freesias and some species such as Freesia laxa can flower within 9 months of sowing, while most of the others will flower in their second season.
Freesias are ideal plants for cool greenhouses, conservatories and patio containers. A few are on the borderline of hardiness and can be grown outside in milder areas, while most hybrids and species multiply reliably from offsets.
At ABC Bulbs and Seeds we grow and sell seeds and corms of species and hybrid freesias including Freesia laxa, Freesia grandiflora, Freesia alba, Freesia viridis, Freesia caryophyllacea, and our own hybrid freesia mix containing a huge variety of beautiful and delightfully scented blooms. Seeds of most of these are available throughout the year, while corms are ready from mid-Summer onwards. Check our website listings regularly, or you can email us at bulbsandseedsabc@hotmail.es and we will add you to our email newsletter list.
There´s always room for another plant!
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