How are the flowers cultivated?
The Freesia is a South African winter flowering plant. It is a member of the Iridaceae family which includes the more common gladioli and iris – the species was “discovered” by a Dutch botanist in the 19th century who named it after a friend and colleague. Most commercial freesia varieties have been bred in Holland and Britain since 1945. They mainly have single flowers but some doubles are available. The crop has special growing requirements under British conditions. Prior to planting the corms need heat treatment – 12 weeks at 30 degrees celsius and 90% relative humidity – to mimic the South African summer. They grow best under damp conditions and the young plants require a cool period – 4 weeks at under 15 degrees – for bud initiation. The production cycle varies seasonally under English consitions. The corm can be in the ground for as little as 5 months from March planting to 9 months for September planting. Each corm can produce from 1 flower (September planting) to 4 flowers (Mar
