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It's Freesia Time!

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | February 2, 2010 7 Comments

Last updated on December 2nd, 2011

What, at the moment, is bringing me greater pleasure than a box of Valentine’s chocolates? A tropical visitor called Freesia lacteal. In my music room window, the rosy-pink, white-and-gold-splashed blossoms are a delightful contrast to the February snow. Delightful too is the fragrance: a powerful, utterly intoxicating blend of honey and plum.

You can enjoy the romance of freesia in your own window garden, too, by following, in autumn, my easy forcing instructions. Or, if you want the flowers now, simply visit your independent florist. I guarantee that a few cut stems, arranged in a pretty vase on your bedside table, will bring you the sweetest of dreams.

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Related Posts:
How to Force Freesia Bulbs
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Comments

  1. 1

    James says

    February 3, 2010 at 6:05 pm

    Your freesia is so beautiful, Kevin. I will have to plant these bulbs next year.

  2. 2

    Samantha says

    February 3, 2010 at 6:28 pm

    Well, I'm sure the REAL thing is better than any freesia-scented bath gel!

  3. 3

    Cathy says

    February 3, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    Hate to admit it, but I've only ever smelled freesia in bath gel. I need to get out more.

  4. 4

    Eric says

    February 3, 2010 at 8:22 pm

    I planted freesia back when you mentioned them in October. I think mine are blue. They are sending up flower stalks now, though none of the buds have opened yet.

    I realize now why you said they require staking! I can't believe how much grassy foliage the little bulbs produce!

    Anyway, I'm looking forward to a grand freesia fest in my window.

  5. 5

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    February 3, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    Samantha – The real thing is definitely better than the synthetic version in bath gel!

    Cathy – if you live in the Northeast, I don't doubt that you've never reveled in freesia. Whether or not you need to get out more, I can't say. But you should certainly treat yourself to freesia bulbs next autumn, or, as I said in the post, pick up a few stems from the florist.

    Eric – I also have the 'Single Blue' variety. It seems to be somewhat slower than the 'Single Pink' pictured above.

  6. 6

    Sam says

    March 22, 2010 at 3:36 am

    Hi Kevin, I planted freesia bulbs in August last year in a bed I created in the front of my house. I saw some foliage in fall which died in winters. Will they grow this spring? I live in Charlotte, NC, Zone-7.

  7. 7

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    March 23, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Welcome, Sam. My understanding is that freesia is winter-hardy only in zones 9-11. However, you might dig one of the bulbs up to check for life. If it is still plump and firm, the bulb is alive. If mushy, it's finished.

    You can, of course, plant freesia bulbs now in your zone. Then you can enjoy the blooms in early summer.

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