How To Prevent Freesia Flowers From Flopping Over In The Garden

If you like to fill your landscape with flowers perfect for a cut flower garden, you are likely familiar with Freesia. Freesia is a popular bulb you can add to your garden, especially if you live in zones 9 or 10, where the plants are hardy. This group of flowering corms (a type of bulb) has 16 species under its umbrella. They're available in most colors of the rainbow — plus white. 

However, while lovely in full bloom, one problem you might encounter when growing Freesia is that the flowers can droop. That's because the stems not only reach up to 1.5 feet high, but the flowers grow in a line on only one side of the stem, creating an imbalance and making them more susceptible to flopping over. You can either accept the flop or support the stems. The multicolored flowers are perfect for hanging baskets, and that might be where the flop comes in handy. Allowing the Freesia blooms to hang over the side of your basket would give you the opportunity to enjoy the flower's beauty and fragrance up close. Plus, it can look quite elegant. However, if you want the flowers to remain upright in the ground, here is what you do.  

Before putting your Freesia corms into the ground, look around and find a location that not only has full sun but is also protected from the wind. If you have a shed or greenhouse on your property, or a side of your home that typically gets less wind than the other, consider planting your bulbs there. One way to prevent flopping once the flowers start to grow is by placing wire fencing about ⅓ or ½ way up the stem. Push the fencing an inch or two into the ground to keep it in place. Keeping it at this height will hold your plant upright while allowing you to still enjoy the blooms' beauty.

Another option is to stake each stem. Push or hammer each stake into the ground a few inches away from your Freesia stems and use twine to attach them loosely. You want the stake to reach at least halfway up the stem. As long as your support is securely in the ground, it will give the Freesia stems the strength they need to stay upright as they bloom. This method can be a bit time-consuming, but it's effective. Use green stakes, and the supports will be barely noticeable. Giving your Freesia a trellis is also an option. With this method, you'll have to attach the stems to the trellis, since Freesia isn't a vine. However, the support could be a lovely addition that looks beautiful and prevents the blooms from falling to the ground.

Properly caring for your Freesia flowers can go a long way in keeping them upright. First, be sure that your soil is nutrient rich, slightly acidic, and well draining. The last thing you want is a soggy environment for these plants. Heavily moist or wet soil for your Freesia flower bed can lead to root rot and even the steadiest stakes can fall over in consistently wet ground, erasing all your hard work to keep the blooms upright. 

Pests and diseases can also weaken your Freesias, causing them to fall over. Be on the lookout for mildew, fungus, slugs, snails, spider mites, and aphids. Attracting beneficial bugs and birds to your garden can help reduce your pest problems. As for mildew and fungus, leave room between your plants to allow for airflow and keep an eye on the flowers' foliage. Identify and treat the root cause of any damaged or yellowing and brown leaves right away so your plant remains as healthy as possible. Keeping your Freesias strong while providing additional support will ensure beautiful blooms that reach for the sky.