QA

Question: When To Plant Freesia Bulbs In Southern California

Plant bulbs in November In Southern California, it is too hot to plant in late summer and early fall. Purchase freesia, allium, ranunculus, crocus and daffodil in September, but plan to store them in a dry, dark place until November.

What month do you plant freesia bulbs?

Get your indoor corms to flower from January to April by planting in containers (see below) between August and December. October planting should, under ideal conditions, give you flowers in March for four or five weeks.

Is it too late to plant bulbs in Southern California?

Bulbs should chill in the refrigerator for about 4 to 6 weeks before planting. Ideally, you should plant tulip bulbs in Northern California between the months of September and December. For Southern California, plant bulbs between mid-December and the first few weeks of January.

How do you grow freesias in California?

To plant in beds, prepare the soil about a foot deep. Make sure the bed drains well since standing water will rot the corms. Freesias prefer full sun or light morning shade but have done well almost everywhere I have planted them. Plant the corms two to four inches apart and two inches deep, then water the bed well.

Should I soak freesia bulbs before planting?

Rich, well-drained soil is ideal for planting freesias. Shane Smith, author of the 2000 book “Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion,” says you can store the corms in your refrigerator for three or four weeks before planting them. Soaking them in water for about half an hour can also be beneficial.

Can I plant freesia bulbs in the spring?

WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT FREESIA Plant the corms pointed end up, 1” to 2” deep and 2” to 3” apart. In cooler zones, freesias can be planted outdoors in spring for late summer flowers. The bulbs may also be planted in pots in the fall and grown in a cool (55-60°F) greenhouse for winter flowers.

How long does it take for freesia bulbs to flower?

when do freesias flower? Freesias flower from June to September. Freesias planted the previous autumn can be in flower much earlier. They are usually in flower about 4 months after planting.

What bulbs grow best in Southern California?

Good choices include amaryllis, crocus, freesias, lily-of-the-valley, paperwhites, and tulips. To Chill or Not to Chill? Store the bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated area until you’re ready to plant them.

When should I plant bulbs in Southern California?

Plant bulbs in November In Southern California, it is too hot to plant in late summer and early fall. Purchase freesia, allium, ranunculus, crocus and daffodil in September, but plan to store them in a dry, dark place until November.

What happens if you plant bulbs too late?

If you miss planting your bulbs at the optimal time, don’t wait for spring or next fall. Bulbs aren’t like seeds. They won’t survive out of the ground indefinitely. Even if you find an unplanted sack of tulips or daffodils in January or February, plant them and take your chances.

Is it too late to plant freesia bulbs?

For indoor growing, plant freesias in autumn to bloom in late winter. To grow freesias in indoor pots for early summer flowering, plant from January to March under cover. To grow outdoors, plant from April to June.

Can you grow bulbs in Southern California?

Depending on where you live in SoCal, you can also plant hyacinths, the tall tulips, crocus, and other bulbs that appreciate a colder winter. The first consideration is buying good-looking bulbs — pass on those that look dried out, are mushy or soft, and any that look as if they have any fungus growing on them.

Do freesia come back every year?

1. Do freesias grow every year? If you live somewhere where it either never (or rarely) freezes then yes, your freesias should grow back. They may even multiply by spreading fertilised seeds so you could have a garden bursting with colour every spring!.

Which way do you plant freesia bulbs?

Dig holes and plant your freesia bulbs 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart. The bulbs look like small, slim onions. Plant them with the pointed end facing upwards.

Does freesia smell good?

Freesia. Freesias have a fruity scent many people compare to fresh strawberries. These delicate multi-colored flowers with their sweet, airy scent have made them one of the world’s most popular flowers. The elegant aroma of Freesia pairs well with other more flashy flowers such peonies and roses.

When should I fertilize freesia?

Fertilizer. Once the first sprouts emerge from the soil, apply a balanced flower fertilizer, and keep the plants in full sun. Fertilize them again when buds appear.

Do freesia bulbs need to be chilled?

Can you force freesia bulbs like you can other blooms? These lovely little blooms need no pre-chilling and, therefore, can be forced at any time in the interior.

Should you deadhead freesias?

When freesia is actively growing and blooming, the soil should be kept moist. When done blooming, spent blooms can be deadheaded to keep the garden tidy, but the foliage should be left to die back naturally. As the foliage browns and dies back, the soil can be allowed to dry out.

Is freesia toxic to cats?

No part of freesia is toxic to humans. Freesia is also safe for dogs and cats. However, if pets ever exhibit any symptoms of poisoning — including vomiting, severe diarrhea, uncontrollable drooling or lethargy — you should call the emergency vet right away.