When is the most suitable time to plant freesia?
Freesia originates from the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, with about 20 species. According to flower color, it is divided into cultivated lines such as the red series, yellow series, white series and blue series. Because of its early flowering period, vivid colors, fragrant flowers and long vase life, it can be supplied to the market in early spring and around the Spring Festival. It can be grown both as a cut flower and as a potted plant in a greenhouse, and it is deeply favored by flower enthusiasts. Now let us take a look at when to plant freesia!
When do you plant freesia?
Freesia is propagated by planting underground corms. The planting period is early to mid-September, and 3 to 4 corms can be planted in a "three-gang" pot. When planting freesia, fertilized growing soil should be used. After planting, water thoroughly, and first place it outdoors in a wind-sheltered, sunny spot. After the leaves unfold in early October, move it back indoors. In early June the temperature rises, and by mid-June the leaves begin to turn yellow. At this time, remove the plant from the pot and take out the bulbs. After drying, put them in a cloth bag and hang it in a cool room for dry storage over the summer, then replant after the Start of Autumn.
Flowering time of freesia
During the growth process of freesia, corms can promote rooting and sprouting at 13.5-15°C. Flower bud differentiation requires a low temperature of 8-13°C. During the flower bud development stage, the suitable temperature is 13-18°C. Below 18°C, flowering will be delayed and the flower stems will shorten. Higher temperatures can promote earlier flowering, but the plants will grow weakly. Under short-day conditions, flower bud differentiation is favorably promoted, while after flower bud differentiation, long days can promote earlier flowering. Usually corms are sown in September, flower buds begin to differentiate in early November, differentiation is completed in late November, and flowering occurs in April to May of the following year.
How to grow freesia
1. Soil: Freesia prefers well-drained, loose and fertile sandy loam or growing soil mixed with 20%-50% humus soil. Before planting, the soil should be disinfected, and 50-70 grams per sq m of methyl bromide can be used for treatment. After applying the chemical, turn and rake the soil level, and sowing can be done after 5-7 days. For potted growing soil, mix 1 part each of leaf mold, garden soil, fine river sand and decomposed organic fertilizer.
2. Planting: The planting time of freesia varies with the production type and the market demand for fresh flowers. The ordinary planting period is September to October, with the main flowering period in March to April. For forcing cultivation, it is early to mid-September to mid-to-late November; for retarding cultivation, it is January to March. Generally, the plant and row spacing is 8*12 cm, and the planting density is 80-110 plants per sq m. The planting depth should preferably leave the top of the bulb 1-2 cm from the soil surface, and cover with 2-3 cm of soil.
3. Fertilization: Freesia bulbs are relatively small and their stored nutrients are limited, so phosphorus and potassium liquid fertilizer should be added when there are 2-4 leaves. Before planting, organic compost or coarse granular organic fertilizer should be applied early to improve soil fertility, soil looseness and aeration. Base fertilizer is mainly organic fertilizer, and some chemical fertilizer may also be applied appropriately, but the amount should not be too much, to prevent an increase in soil salt concentration that could cause physiological disorders. Topdressing is mainly liquid fertilizer.
4. Watering: In the early stage after potting, freesia does not need much water. The potting soil should be kept alternately dry and moist, and watering thoroughly once a week is enough. By early February, when buds appear and stems are bolting, the plants grow rapidly and consume more water, so the pot should be kept constantly moist. One month after flowering, water supply should be gradually reduced, and watering once every 2 days can prevent bulb rot. By the end of February, when the leaves turn yellow, watering can be stopped.
5. Temperature: Both root formation and flower bud differentiation in freesia require a relatively cool environment. Roots grow best at 15-18°C, flower bud differentiation is best at 12-15°C, and inflorescence growth is fastest at 18-20°C. Therefore, at the initial planting stage, keep the room temperature at 15-18°C. At the 5-7 leaf stage, induce flower primordia at 12-15°C. Maintaining this temperature for 4-6 weeks will prevent the inflorescence development from reversing. Then raise the temperature to 16-17°C so that the inflorescence extends rapidly and enters the flowering period.
6. Light: During freesia cultivation, appropriate shading is beneficial at the seedling stage and flowering stage. During the growth period of the first leaf, appropriate shading can lower soil temperature and promote root development. Before flower bud differentiation, giving about 10 hours of short-day treatment is beneficial for promoting flower bud differentiation and increasing flower stem length, the number of flowers on the inflorescence and the number of lateral spikes. After flower bud differentiation is completed, appropriately extending the photoperiod is beneficial for promoting good inflorescence development and earlier flowering.
7. Pests and diseases: Freesia is prone to mosaic disease, bulb rot and so on. During planting, the soil and seed bulbs must be thoroughly disinfected, and the potting soil must be completely replaced every year. At the same time, attention should be paid to controlling aphids. In the early stage of aphid occurrence, 40% omethoate 1500-fold solution or 90% trichlorfon solution can be sprayed for control.