Garden Care Guide

Freesia Care

Freesia

A bulbous (cormous) plant known for its intensely fragrant flowers. It is planted in autumn, flowers in spring and goes dormant in summer. It likes full sun and well-drained soil, and its flower stalks usually need support.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · -3 °C / 27 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Not required; winter rains are sufficient.
  • General care: Its green leaves continue to grow; make sure drainage is good.
  • Pests & diseases: Avoid excess water to prevent root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost cloth; if in a pot, move it to a sheltered spot. Damage occurs below about -3 °C.
February
  • Watering: If the rains are insufficient, keep the soil moist.
  • Fertilizing: As growth accelerates, begin applying a potassium (K)-dominant liquid fertilizer to support bud formation (do not overapply).
  • General care: Flower stalks begin to appear; put support stakes or rings in place.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for aphids.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost cloth; if in a pot, move it to a sheltered spot. Damage occurs below about -3 °C.
March
  • Watering: Keep the soil constantly moist, 15-20 L/m² per week.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • General care: Flowering begins; continue supporting the plants.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for root rot and leaf spot diseases.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost cloth; if in a pot, move it to a sheltered spot. Damage occurs below about -3 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing.
  • Pruning: Removing spent flowers helps direct energy to the bulb.
  • General care: Main flowering period; an excellent time for cut flowers.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing.
  • Pruning: Cut the flower stalks but leave the leaves.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk. Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy soil that holds water, plant it on a raised mound or berm 20-30 cm high so that the root collar stays above the surrounding soil level.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for spider mites.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Pruning: Cut off the leaves that have dried completely.
  • General care: The bulbs (corms) enter summer dormancy. If in a pot, move it to a dry, shaded place; if in the ground, lift the bulbs and store them in a dry place.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the bulbs you have lifted and discard the rotten ones.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: The bulbs are dormant and are stored dry.
  • Pests & diseases: There is no risk.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: The bulbs are dormant; it is a good time to buy new bulbs or plan your planting.
  • Pests & diseases: There is no risk.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • General care: Plant the bulbs (corms) about 5 cm deep, pointed end up, in well-drained soil; do not water after planting until the rains begin.
  • Pests & diseases: Use sound, disease-free bulbs.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • General care: Bulb planting can continue; the first shoots may be seen at the end of the month.
  • Pests & diseases: Protect young shoots from slugs and snails.
November
  • Watering: Not needed; the rains are sufficient.
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost cloth; if in a pot, move it to a sheltered spot. Damage occurs below about -3 °C.
December
  • General care: The plant grows slowly throughout the winter.
  • Pests & diseases: In excessively wet conditions, watch for signs of rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost cloth; if in a pot, move it to a sheltered spot. Damage occurs below about -3 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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