How to Keep Freesia From Falling Over
Freesia flowers are close relations of crocuses, irises and gladioli. When you plant freesia bulbs in your sunny growing area, you will enjoy beautiful summer displays as these colorful flowers sprout and bloom in a variety of bright colors. Gardeners often take the time to stake freesia flowers in a flower garden. The combination of thin stems and showy blossoms often causes freesia flowers to tip over. Keep freesia from falling over by staking each flower in the garden.
Position a stake on the soil approximately 3 inches away from each stem of the freesia flower.
Use the hammer to pound the stake about 4 inches into the soil.
- Freesia flowers are close relations of crocuses, irises and gladioli.
- Position a stake on the soil approximately 3 inches away from each stem of the freesia flower.
Cut two 8-inch lengths of twine for each freesia flower.
Loop one piece of twine around the stake and the freesia approximately 2 to 3 inches below the blossom. Tie the twine to attach the freesia flower to the stake, making the twine tight enough to support the freesia yet not so tight that you injure the stem. Loop the second piece of twine around the stake and the freesia in the same fashion, except position this piece of twine at the halfway point of the freesia stem. Tie this piece of twine the same way you tied the first piece.
Stake each freesia in the same fashion until every flower has sturdy support to prevent them from falling over.
Freesia Toxic?
Freesia comes in a wide variety of colors. Blooms range from pink, purple, lavender and red to white, yellow and orange. It blooms seasonally, depending on whether grown in the garden within its hardiness range, or as a houseplant. Freesia is also safe for dogs and cats. However, if pets ever exhibit any symptoms of poisoning -- including vomiting, severe diarrhea, uncontrollable drooling or lethargy -- you should call the emergency vet right away. Do not wait for symptoms to get worse before you call. Water regularly during the growing and blooming season, but beware of overwatering during the dormant season -- when leaves are still in evidence but the plant has not yet died to the ground -- as freesias should stay dry during this period. Indoors, freesia prefers bright light and daytime temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Best flowering occurs with cooler nighttime temperatures.
- Cut two 8-inch lengths of twine for each freesia flower.
- Loop one piece of twine around the stake and the freesia approximately 2 to 3 inches below the blossom.
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References
- University of California Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants: Safe Plants (By Common Name)
- University of California, Davis: Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants
- University of California, Davis Veterinary Medicine: Pets and Toxic Plants
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Freesia (Group)
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Freesia
Writer Bio
Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon.
