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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James says
Your freesia is so beautiful, Kevin. I will have to plant these bulbs next year.
Samantha says
Well, I'm sure the REAL thing is better than any freesia-scented bath gel!
Cathy says
Hate to admit it, but I've only ever smelled freesia in bath gel. I need to get out more.
Eric says
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.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
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.
Sam says
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.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
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.