FREESIA

Freesia is a genus of about 14 species. Freesia bulbs are usually grown for use asCut Flowers. All the 14 species of Freesia are African in origin. Of The 14 Freesia species, 12 are native to Cape Province, South Africa, the remaining two to tropical Africa, with one these species extending north of the equator to Sudan. Freesia flowers are very fragrant, typically white or yellow, and are borne in spikelike racemes. This blooming beauty captures your heart and is a springtime favorite.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Liliopsida

Order

Asparagales

Family

Iridaceae

Genus

Freesia

Freesia plants grow from a corm (a solid bulb, as in Gladiolus). The Freesia orm sends up a tuft of long narrow leaves and a slightly branched stem. Freesia Flowers are borne as loose one-sided spikes of narrowly funnel-shaped flowers along a side few leaves. Some excellent Freesia varieties (old-fashioned) for fragrance include: Athene, Allure, Demeter, Excelsior, Golden Wave, Mirabel, Pink Westlind, Snowdon, and Welkin.

The tender, cormous plant, Freesia originated in South Africa. The leaves on Freesia are sword shaped and light green and may be up to 1 feet high. Freesia Flower stalks are slender and about the same height. As many as 8 funnel-shaped Freesia flowers form a loose cluster at the top of each stalk. Where the flowers begin, the stem makes a sharp bend so that the Freesia flowers face upward.

Facts About Freesia

• Freesia bloom was named by Dr. Freese (1785-1876) , a native of Kiel, Germany.
• The flowers come in a great variety of colors - white, golden yellow, orange, red, pink, mauve, lavender, purple and bicolors.
• Freesia perfume has a light, sweet, soap-like floral scent - trendy in soaps, lotions and so forth.
• Freesia flower bouquets are also used for gifting on special occassions. Freesia flowers are symbolic of innocence.
• Freesia are very poularly used in the perfume, scented oils and baths and other related industries.

Freesia Fragrance Oil

Fragrance Oils are artificially created fragrances, which contain artificial substances. Freesia fragrance oil is suitable for use in oil burners and vapourisers. It can also be used to refragrance pot pourries. Freesia fragrance oil can also be used in any of the vapourisers, such as the ceramic lamp ring, drivetime car vapouriser, radiator vapouriser or mini vaporiser.

Freesia essence oil is uncut, undiluted, alcohol free, long lasting, high grade essence oil. The oil is excellent for aromatherapy uses - to scent candles, freshen potpourri, in soap making, massage oils, bath oil and of course, as a Freesia perfume body oil - to smell just truly great.

Growing Freesia Flowers

• The corms should be planted close - six will do nicely in a 5 inch pot.
• Soil should be light and should be drained well.
• Place the top of the corm, 1 inch below the soil.
• For winter flowers, plant freesia in late summer or early fall and keep them cool until frosts are due.
• During winter, bring freesia bulbs in and keep them in a sunny window.

Plant Care

• Freesias are propagated by offsets of bulbs and seeds.
• Freesia plants need full sun and cool night temperatures, preferably between 45 and 40 degrees.
• Keep the plants well watered while the leaves and flowers are developing.
• When the leaves begin to brown after the flowers have faded, the plants may be gradually dried off and the corms saved for the following year.