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Hi, I just cut the freesias at ground level two weeks ago. What is the next step please? Very Best, Lucian
Reply from
Hi Lucian,
If you’re wanting to lift and store the bulbs for planting out again next spring, it’s usually best to let the foliage die back naturally so that it can continue photosynthesising and storing food in preparation for next year. The bulbs should be lifted a few weeks after the foliage has gone yellow and dried out, so give it a few weeks yet. If you’re watering the area, gradually reduce this.
When you lift them, brush any soil off and lay them out in a dark, dry room for about two weeks. They can then be stored in a paper bag somewhere dry, until you’re ready to plant them again in spring.
Hope this helps
Katy
Reply from
Hi Katy, many thanks for the advice. I thought I can keep them into the soil for ever and just cut the green when the flowers passed away. Is this for sure not an option? Very Best, Lucian
Reply from
Hi Lucian,
It depends where you are geographically. Freesias tend to not do so well when exposed to frost, so if you’re somewhere that gets a lot of frost its best to lift and store them (if grown in the ground), or move the container somewhere protected (if container grown). If you’re somewhere warm then yes absolutely – once planted you can just leave them to it!
Hope this helps
Katy
Reply from
Hi Katy,
many thanks for the precious help. I just start up with container gardening since one year. I love the fragrant plants I have, but as mentioned, because I do not have a garden just a big balcony, the whole is containered.
I am located in Chelsea, London, UK - not much frost, so let me know if the containers would do the job keeping my cutted freesias safe.
Many thanks once more for the great advices.
Very Best,
Lucian
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Reply from
Hi Lucian,
It sounds then like the best thing for your limited space is to leave your freesias in their containers and protect with a good few layers of horticultural fleece in the winter, and a heavy layer of mulch. Hopefully they will survive and be back in full bloom next year!
Hope this helps and good luck.
Regards
Katy