Caucasus

Freesia – a bulbous plant from the iris family, which prefers partial shade and fertile soil. For successful cultivation in open ground, it is planted after the soil temperature rises to 8–10 °C, which usually happens from May to September. Bulbs are cleaned of scales and treated with a fundazol solution (0.2 %) to prevent fungal diseases.

After planting, bulbs are placed in holes 5–6 cm deep, with a distance between plants of 6–12 cm. The plant requires regular watering and soil loosening, as well as fertilization. During the flowering period (October), withered buds are removed to stimulate further development.

Freesia can be used both for cutting and as a decorative plant in pots. For indoor cultivation, bulbs are placed in 15 cm diameter pots (5 to 8 bulbs) with shards and charcoal at the bottom, then filled with garden soil. The plant prefers a bright, cool place. With proper care, freesia flowers for 100–120 days after planting, and can even bloom in a greenhouse or home during winter.

New varieties bred in Sochi differ in color and flowering time, as well as increased disease resistance. They are widely used for cutting thanks to bright and persistent buds.