The cultivation method of Freesia
Main content introduction: This article focuses on the Freesia, a bulbous flower, discussing its cultivation method. Let's learn about it together.
Freesia, also known as香雪兰 (Fragrant Snow Orchid) or洋晚香玉 (Foreign Evening fragrance), has leaves resembling small swords stuck in the ground. Among these leaves, several spikes of flowers with golden bell-like inflorescences, each consisting of about 8 flowers, look like tiny golden funnels. The flower colors range from bright yellow, pure white, purple, to rose red, with a unique and beautiful shape. It has the fragrance of orchids and the aroma of cassia. Placing a pot of Freesia indoors fills the room with a rich and pure scent, making people feel refreshed and comfortable.
Cultivation methods for Freesia:
Light and temperature: Freesia is sensitive to both cold and heat. It enters dormancy during the hot summer and begins to sprout and bloom when the weather cools down. The optimal growth temperature is 18-20 degrees Celsius during the day and 14-16 degrees Celsius at night, with an overwintering temperature of 6-7 degrees Celsius. Freesia is a photophilous plant, requiring ample sunlight, but it can easily become leggy under strong light and high temperatures. Flower bud formation occurs under short-day conditions, and long-day conditions after bud formation promote flowering.
It is best to use a clay pot for planting, and plant in September with loose, fertile soil that has good drainage. Initially, it doesn't require much water, so watering once a week is sufficient. As the plant grows, gradually increase the frequency and amount of watering. Freesia is strict in its water requirements, as it is afraid of humidity and does not tolerate drought. Excessive soil moisture can cause root rot, while a lack of water hampers growth and makes the leaves lose their luster.
Fertilization: When the plant has 3-4 leaves, it enters the flower bud differentiation stage. Fertilize with a dilute soybean cake solution or other phosphorus and potassium fertilizers every 10-15 days and shorten the photoperiod (providing only 10 hours of sunlight daily) to aid in flower bud differentiation. During flower bud differentiation, keep the potting soil moist and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers 2-3 times. Stop fertilizing after the flowers appear.
Watering: In the early growth stage, do not water too much, generally once a week. When the flower stems appear, watering should be sufficient, but avoid waterlogging in the pot, as this can cause root rot.
Diseases and pests: The main diseases are the dry rot of Gladiolus affecting the plant and bulbs. To prevent this, spray the bulb surface with a 10% fungicide solution of 401 acetic acid at a 1000-fold dilution.
Propagation: The common method is to propagate by dividing the rhizomes. In May, when the bulbs enter the dormancy period, 3-5 daughter bulbs form around the mother bulb. Remove the daughter bulbs, grade and store them, and plant them in September.
The inflorescence of Freesia is long and heavy, making it prone to falling over. Therefore, supports should be set up after the inflorescence emerges, and tied with thin ropes. After flowering, reduce watering but make sure it doesn't become too dry. If seeds are not needed, cut the flowers from the base to concentrate nutrients for the growth of new bulbs. By the end of May, when the leaves turn yellow, remove the bulbs from the pot, clear the dead leaves, grade the bulbs by size, and dry them before hanging them in a cool, well-ventilated place for storage.
This article shares detailed information on the cultivation method of Freesia, hoping it can be helpful to you!