It depends on your winter. In zones 9 and 10, plant freesia corms outdoors in fall for flowers from late winter to early spring (Mississippi State). In zones 3 to 8, plant them outdoors in spring for late-summer flowers (Mississippi State), after frost, since they survive only a few degrees of frost (RHS). Set corms 2 inches deep, pointed end up, close together (Mississippi State, RHS). Freesias bloom best with cool nights of 40 to 55°F (NC State), so in hot, humid areas they do better in pots indoors.
Freesias are fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in the iris family, native to Africa (NC State). They grow from corms and reach 1 to 2 feet tall (NC State). Mississippi State says the average time from planting to flowering is 110 to 120 days, so the planting date sets when you get flowers: fall planting in mild areas gives spring flowers, and spring planting up north gives late-summer flowers.
When to plant freesias by region
| Area | When to plant freesia corms |
|---|---|
| Zones 9 and 10 (mild winters) | Plant corms outdoors in fall for flowers from late winter to early spring (Mississippi State). In Sacramento, UC Master Gardeners plant September to November |
| Zones 3 to 8 (cold winters) | Plant outdoors in spring for late-summer flowers (Mississippi State). The RHS plants heat-treated "prepared" corms in April for July and August blooms |
| Hot, humid summers (e.g., North Carolina) | NC State grows freesias as houseplants or in a greenhouse, planted in late summer for winter flowers, because they need cool nights to bloom well |
| Indoor pots, any zone | Pot corms between August and December for flowers from January to April; an October planting can bloom in March (RHS) |
| For a longer season | Plant a new batch every 7 to 14 days (Mississippi State) |
Our planting calendar shows your average last spring frost. In cold-winter areas, plant freesias outdoors after that date, around the time you plant gladiolus (GardenPal suggestion). In mild-winter areas, fall planting lines up with ranunculus and anemones, which also like cool weather.
How deep and far apart to plant freesias
| Freesia corms | |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 in deep (Mississippi State, RHS, UC Master Gardeners); about 1 in deep in pots (NC State) |
| Spacing | No more than 1½ in apart (Mississippi State); 2 to 3 in apart (UC Master Gardeners) |
| Which way up | Pointed end up (NC State, UC Master Gardeners) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (NC State), in a sunny, sheltered spot (RHS) |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a neutral pH (NC State). Standing water rots the corms (Mississippi State) |
| Support | The stems need support; growers use netting (Mississippi State), and the RHS uses twiggy sticks |
Watering, feeding and temperature
- Water lightly at first. Mississippi State waters sparingly until the corms sprout, then keeps the soil evenly moist. NC State warns that overwatering rots the corms.
- Feed once they grow. NC State uses a liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks once plants are about 6 inches tall. The RHS switches to a high-potassium feed every 2 weeks once buds show.
- Keep them cool. NC State gives 60 to 70°F days and 40 to 55°F nights as ideal. Mississippi State says temperatures above 59°F while flowers develop can cause "thumbing," where the lowest florets separate from the rest of the spike.
- Cut for the vase. Mississippi State harvests when the first floret is puffy and starting to open and at least two more buds are well colored.
Freesias in pots indoors
Pots are the easiest way to grow freesias in cold or hot-summer climates. NC State says the long taproot needs a deep pot: plant 6 to 8 corms about 1 inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart in rich potting mix with coarse sand or grit for drainage. The RHS keeps new pots at about 41°F for three to four weeks, then at 50 to 60°F with good light and airflow through winter. NC State suggests a well-ventilated spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
After flowering and over winter
- Zones 9 and 10: freesias are hardy here (NC State), and UC Master Gardeners say they naturalize well in Sacramento.
- Colder zones: lift the corms and store them before cold weather (NC State), or buy fresh corms next year as Mississippi State recommends.
- Keeping corms: keep watering and feeding after flowering until the leaves yellow; the RHS says plants need at least eight weeks of growth to form new corms. NC State stores dry corms at 77 to 86°F, and the RHS at about 80°F.
Pests and problems
NC State lists aphids, thrips, slugs and snails, plus leaf spots, fusarium wilt, root rot, viruses and blights. Mississippi State says viruses are the most serious problem and cannot be treated, and that they are less of an issue when freesias are grown as annuals from fresh corms. Botrytis and Fusarium are also common (Mississippi State). Good drainage and not overwatering prevent most corm rot (NC State).
Freesias around the vegetable garden
In mild-winter gardens, a row of freesias at the end of a cool-season bed gives cut flowers while you harvest lettuce and peas (GardenPal suggestion). Up north, plant them with summer cut flowers such as gladiolus and dahlias. For more cool-weather corms and tubers, see when to plant ranunculus and when to plant anemones.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant freesia bulbs?
In zones 9 and 10, plant corms outdoors in fall for late-winter to early-spring flowers. In zones 3 to 8, plant them outdoors in spring for late-summer flowers (Mississippi State).
How deep do you plant freesia corms?
About 2 inches deep, pointed end up (Mississippi State, RHS, UC Master Gardeners), or about 1 inch deep in pots (NC State).
How long do freesias take to bloom?
About 110 to 120 days from planting (Mississippi State).
Can freesias survive winter outdoors?
Only in mild areas. NC State lists them as hardy in zones 9 and 10, and the RHS says they survive only a few degrees of frost.
Can I grow freesias in pots?
Yes. NC State uses a deep pot with 6 to 8 corms about 1 inch deep. Pots planted between August and December flower from January to April (RHS).
Why are my freesias not blooming well?
Warm temperatures are a common cause: freesias need cool nights (NC State), and temperatures above 59°F during flower development cause uneven spikes (Mississippi State).
Enter your frost dates to see your last spring frost and time your freesia planting.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Freesia"
- Mississippi State University Extension, "Freesia (Freesia × hybrida) for the Farmer Florist"
- Royal Horticultural Society, "How to grow freesias"
- UC Master Gardeners of Sacramento County, "Sacramento bulb planting schedule"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.