Forcing Freesia for Pot      

Potted freesia are basically experimental, but forcers are encouraged to determine how they will force and market under their conditions. The objective is to produce a marketable plant in 70-90 days from planting with an average total plant height of 10-20". These goals are not always achieved with the cultivars and treatments evaluated. Select principally pot varieties for pot forcing.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Storage after arrival:  

On arrival, dip in Paclobutrazol (Bonzi) or Ancymidol (A'Rest) and plant.                                                                                                                                                          

Planting:         

Plant corms 1" deep. Use 4-8 corms per 4" pot; 6-12 per 6" pot; 10-20 corms per 8" pot.  Use well drained pH 6.5-7.2, fluoride-free sterilized planting medium.                                                                                                                                                  

  

Watering:        

Keep planting medium moist, but not wet.    

   

Fertilizer: 

After plants begin to grow, use 200ppn of 20-20-20 every other week.     

 

Light Requirements:                                                                                                                                                              

Freesia require a medium to high light (>2500 ft. candle) intensity greenhouse.            

 

Temperature:     

Use a 50-55°F night temperature greenhouse.  Avoid temperatures above 63°F especially during short days of winter. Forcing times range from55 to 100 days depending on the cultivars. Market plants when first floret begins to open.  If plants need to be stored, place at 32-35°F but not for a long period.  

    

Forcing Freesia for Cut  

Availability:   

Freesia are shipped from early September until March.  

     

Storage after arrival:     

The corms can be stored at 48-55°F for up to three weeks.   Thereafter the spike may dry up too much if not planted. 

                                                                                     

Planting:    

Plant either in flats or beds.  A well drained soil mix is essential.  This soil mix should be sterile at planting time with a pH level of 6.5-7.2. Plant 2" deep and use about 10 corms per square foot. Beds or trays will need to have wire mesh support facilities. Freesia should be planted in light intensity greenhouses.     

   

Watering:      

Keep medium moist, but not wet.      

          

Temperatures:           

Use a cool greenhouse (50-58°F).  Avoid temperatures over 70°F especially during short days of winter. Cool growing temperatures will determine when freesia will bloom. Generally it takes approximately 120 days from planting to harvest first flowers. Once the flowering begins, flowering usually lasts 4 weeks. 

         

Fertilizer:   

After plants begin to grow use a liquid fertilizer every other week.