Types of Freesia Bulbs

Freesia is a genus of flowering plants native to Southern Africa. They grow in numerous colors from tall, thin stems and grass-like foliage. Their beauty and fragrance make them famous, and their flowers are an attractive addition to vases and wedding bouquets.

These flowers can bring elegance to any garden with arched stalks crowned with vibrant, aromatic buds. Even after cutting them, they can survive for up to three weeks in a vase if you change the water regularly. While you can find them in numerous hues, some are artificially made and have a weaker aroma.

Below, we’ll discuss the main types of freesia bulbs and give you some starting tips if you want to plant some in your garden.

There are two types of freesia bulbs: those that produce flowers with one ring of petals and those with an additional layer of petals in place of the stamens. These storage structures have onion-like layers with a papery coating that protects them from drying.

Single Freesia Bulbs

Freesia Single Blue

These bulbs will sprout deep purple flowers with clear white tones on their bases, and considering how difficult it is to find the color blue in nature, they get pretty close. Their color, associated with royalty, can class up any floral arrangement.

Freesia Single Pink

Single pink bulbs produce hot pink flowers with a golden center, and their intense colors are sure to catch anyone’s eye. Traditionally associated with femininity, they are perfect for Mother’s Day or any woman you admire.

Freesia Single Red

Three months after planting these bulbs, bright red flowers with an intense yellow center that resemble a lively flame will emerge. Red freesias have the most potent scent, representing love and passion that burns as bright as their hue.

Freesia Single White

You’ll get elegant white flowers with a subtle hint of yellow from these bulbs, perfect for wedding bouquets or as a gift to new parents, representing innocence and purity.

Freesia Single Yellow

These layered structures will yield yellow flowers all the way through, and their color makes them seem almost transparent. If you want to surprise a friend or a loved one, gift them one of these apricot-scented flowers that symbolize friendship and optimism.

Double Freesia Bulbs

Freesia Double Blue

Double blue bulbs result in exquisite flowers with a pale cobalt shade that is subtle and distinguished. Any floral decoration will benefit from their addition.

Freesia Double Yellow

Double yellows have a more vibrant color and an exquisite scent than their single-flower counterpart. Their eye-catching nature makes them perfect as a garden or bouquet centerpiece.

Freesia Double Pink

Double pink bulbs generate flowers that come in a softer shade of pink compared to their single-petal counterpart but are still an excellent gift for any woman in your life.

Growing and Caring for Freesias

The first thing you must do before planting freesias is to select large, healthy bulbs that will yield healthy flowers. You can begin the process by planting them indoors in a container until they sprout before transferring them outdoors. 

These plants need full sun and minimal shade and will perform best in moist, well-drained soils with frequent watering during the growing season.

Once they gain height, you must stake them with small bamboo branches or circular supports since their stems are flimsy, and heavy rain could knock them over. They can only withstand cold winter temperatures if you live in a USDA plant hardiness zone 9 or 10, so plant them from early spring to early summer.

Although they are resistant to deer and rabbits, aphids and spider mites can attack your freesias, so preemptive measures, such as laying traps, are essential. While you can use a pesticide, you also risk affecting pollinators, which could harm your flowers down the line. 

Viruses pose a serious threat and will reproduce in favorable conditions, making properly-drying soil a must-have.

Freesias usually take 10–12 weeks to flower, and you should reduce watering past that point. Avoid removing their foliage as it gathers sunlight to photosynthesize and strengthen the buds. This is the perfect moment to cut them for bouquets or vases that will perfume your room they’re in for up to three weeks.

When the blooms fade and the leaves turn yellow and wilt, you should wait until the plant becomes dormant before digging out the bulbs until the following spring.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Wirestock