Freesia flowers are “zygomorphic” which just means that they grow along one side of the stem, in a single plane. When you look at a flower stalk however, you'll see that the blooms are facing upwards. How does this work?

Freesias stems have the unusual habit of turning at right angles just below the bottom flower. This causes the upper portion of the stem to grow almost parallel with the ground. The flowers bloom along the top side of the stalk, which makes them lovely to look down into in a garden setting and ideal for arrangements.

If you didn't care much for geometry in high school, here's a painless way to give it another try.

Outdoor Beds

1. Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 10cm to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available.

2. Site your freesia where they will get full day sun.

3. Dig holes and plant the freesia bulbs 5cm deep and 5-8 cm apart. The bulbs look like small, slim onions. Plant them with the pointed end facing up.

4. After planting, water freesia well, thoroughly soaking the area. Roots and sprouts will form in the autumn. Winter will bring taller growth and flowers will develop in the spring.

5. When in bloom, feel free to cut freesia flowers for bouquets. This will not hurt the plants and having scented blooms to bring indoors is one of the best reasons to grow freesia.

6. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water as needed.

7. Later in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage may be removed at this point. Your freesia will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.

Pots, Tubs & Urns

1. Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained potting mix. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; freesia must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.

2. Site containers where they will receive full day sun.

3. Plant your freesia 5cm deep and 5cm apart for the most brilliant display. The bulbs look like small, slim onions. Plant them with the pointed end facing up.

4. After planting, water freesia well, thoroughly soaking the area. Roots and sprouts will form in the autumn. Winter will bring taller growth and flowers will develop in the spring.

5. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water as needed.

6. Later in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage may be removed at this point. Your freesia will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.

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Freesia Growing Guide