How to Store Freesia Bulbs
Bulbs are underground root structures. There are several types of underground root structures that are commonly referred to as bulbs, but in fact, are not. Freesia is one such bulb that is not a “true” bulb, but rather a corm. In environments with cold winters, freesia corms need to be dug up and stored until they can be replanted in the spring. Freesia corms are treated and stored in a similar manner to other corms varieties, such as gladiolus.
Wait until the foliage browns or the first frost kills it. A frost or two will not hurt freesia corms.
- Bulbs are underground root structures.
- A frost or two will not hurt freesia corms.
Dig straight down for about six to eight inches all around the perimeter of the plant, several inches away from the base of the plant. Then push on the handle of your shovel toward you to lift up the soil. Repeat along the perimeter in several places until you can safely lift the corm out of the soil without damaging the corm or roots.
Cut off the foliage and shake off all the loose dirt. Use your hands to help clean the corm as best as you can to return the soil back to the original location.
Allow the freesia corms to dry inside for about three weeks, in temperatures that are about 60 to 70 degrees F. This is called curing.
Remove cormels, which are the tiny corms growing onto the larger corm. In addition, remove the old corm, which is typically at the bottom of the main corm. Use your fingers to remove both cormels and old corm.
- Dig straight down for about six to eight inches all around the perimeter of the plant, several inches away from the base of the plant.
- Use your hands to help clean the corm as best as you can to return the soil back to the original location.
Dust the corms with an insecticide and fungicide mixture that is labeled for freesia before storing. Then store corms in a paper bag. Label it if you are storing several different kinds of bulbs. Store in a cool, dry location, such as a crawl space, attic or garage.
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Writer Bio
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
