Freesias are hardy in growing zones 9 and 10, meaning they’ll survive the winter in these warmer areas. If you live in one of these zones, you should plan to plant your freesia bulbs in the early fall to give them time to sprout roots and get established. If you live in a cooler growing zone, such as zones 1-9, the freesias will die over the winter if you plant them in the fall. It’s best to wait until spring, just after the last chance of frost has passed. That way the fragile buds will grow and thrive.
Purchase bulbs that have been prepared by going through a dormancy period and that are now ready to grow. Talk to your local flower store or nursery to help you find the right bulbs.
When you have a spot picked out, check to see how it drains by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water stands in the hole and drains very slowly, you’ll need to choose another spot or add material to the soil to help it drain better. If you’ve chosen a planting spot that doesn’t drain well, till the soil to a depth of 12 inches and work in compost, peat, or other organic matter to raise the soil by three inches. [3] X Research source
If you have a large bed of freesias, you can support them by suspending a plastic mesh 1-2 feet (50 to 75 cm) above the ground. Place stakes on the corners of the bed, and attach the mesh at the corners. The plants will grow up the mesh.
Water freesias in the morning, so the planting bed has time to dry out before nightfall. If water sits around the plants all night, mold could begin to grow. Water around the base of freesias, rather than spraying it over the leaves and blooms, so that the plants don’t get cooked in strong sun.
After the first frost, “lift” the freesias by cutting back the leaves and stems to one inch above the ground. This step isn’t necessary if you live in a hot growing region and the freesia’s leaves never yellow and die.
In the warmer climates of growing zones 9 and 10, you can leave the bulbs in the ground. They’ll come up again in the spring, having survived the winter.
Don’t use scissors to cut freesias, since they pinch the stem instead of making a clean cut. A clean cut will ensure the cut freesias last a long time, and it does less damage to the plant. Potted freesias may also be cut. Avoid bringing the entire pot inside, though, since freesias will die without adequate sunlight.
