Freesia is a member of the Iridaceae family.
Varieties
The Dutch flower auctions differentiate between two types of Freesias: the single and double flowered varieties. An intermediate category also comes into play, i.e. the so-called semi-double flowered varieties.
Tips for care
During storage:
Ideal storage temperature between 35.6 and 41° F.
Store in fresh water. Add cut flower food if the flowers are to be stored for longer than one day.
Susceptible to dehydration. This can be curbed by wrapping them (wrap in bundles of 50 stems) and pre-cooling them. Failure to do this can have a negative impact on their decorative value and the buds will fail to open fully.
Keep dry storage to an absolute minimum.
During transport:
Ideal transport temperature between 35.6 and 41° F.
Transport in fresh water. Add cut flower food if transportation lasts longer than a day.
Freesias are very susceptible to dehydration and should always be transported in water.
In the shop:
Stand in fresh water. Add cut flower food if the flowers are to be stored for longer than one day. This will ensure that even the tiniest buds open.
Occasionally the last few buds on the spray are empty and will turn brown within a few days. Removing these buds enhances the decorative value of the flowers and also encourages the other buds to open fully.
When the weather is warm take Freesias out of the cold store a few at a time. Warm weather accelerates flowering.
Freesia are very susceptible to dehydration and should always be stored in water. Storing or displaying them dry can severely shorten their vase life and flowers will fail to open fully and will stay small.
Freesias are sensitive to ethylene and should be kept away from ripening fruit, vegetables and exhaust fumes.
In the home:
Allow Freesias to hydrate properly in fresh, clean water, while still in their flower sleeve.
Cut about 1 ¼ inch off the stems.
Fill a vase with clean, fresh water and add some cut flower food. If possible use cut flower food for bulb flowers which stops the flowers from stretching and drooping as they continue to grow in the vase.
Freesias are sensitive to ethylene, which accelerates the ageing process so that fewer flowers will open. For this reason keep them away form sources of ethylene such as ripening fruit or exhaust fumes.
Top 10 Freesia (single flowered)
(Based on Dutch auction sales in 2006)
1. 'Ambassador'
2. 'Argenta'
3. 'Dukaat'
4. 'Blue moon'
5. 'Gold River'
6. 'Alderney'
7. 'Red River'
8. 'Santorini'
9. 'Aladin'
10. Castor
Relevant Internet sites
Explanation of the name
The plant was named after the German physician Fr. Freese, a fellow student of the plant’s discoverer, Chr. Fr. Echlon (1795-1868). Echlon collected a great many plants in the Cape Colony.
Product specifications
1. White
2. Yellow
3. Purple
4. Pink
5. Red
6. Brown
7. Bi-color
8. Orange
Significance on special day(s)
No information.
Additional information
Freesias are often used in romantic bridal floral arrangements.
Freesia 'White Giant' - Novelty of May 2007
Freesia 'Striped Pearl' - Novelty of March 2003
