Freesia

(Freesia x hybrida)

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Fragrant tubular flowers on a spike which is at a 90 degree angle to the rest of the stem. There are 4 - 8 florets per spike.

COLORS:

Yellow, Purple, Red, Blue, White

AVAILABILITY:

Year Round

FRAGRANT?

Yes

USES IN ARRANGEMENT:

Secondary

SELECTION GUIDE:

Look for flowers with 7 or more florets per spike and long straight stems. Half of florets should be opened.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Ethylene sensitive. Store away from fruits and vegetables.

RECOMMENDED FOR HOME CULTURE?

Yes

HOME CULTURE NOTES:

Becoming popular to force in cool houses or in hobby greenhouses.

PROPOGATION:

Less diseases with seeds than corms.

CARE:

Before arranging, recut stems, remove foliage that will be under water & put in mix of warm water & floral preservative for a few hours or overnight. Place arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat vents, air conditioners and drafts. Water and remove dying blooms and foliage daily. To prolong vase life, every 4 - 5 days, recut stems & clean container thoroughly. Rearrange remaining flowers, adding mixture of warm water & floral preservative to your "new" arrangement. Floral preservative is recommended and is available commercially.

NOTES:

Growth habit is similar to that of gladiolus. Light and temperature affect flowering (temperature is the overriding factor). Used often for weddings.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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