Grow Light for Freesia: Corms Indoors with Cool Nights
A grow light for freesia helps corms planted in late summer bloom indoors over winter. NC State Extension notes freesias like full sun to part shade plus cool nights.
The short answer
NC State notes freesias prefer full sun to partial shade with days of 60 to 70 degrees F plus nights of 40 to 55 degrees F. Indoors it advises morning sun plus afternoon shade. University of Maryland Extension advises no more than 16 hours of light a day.
How much light do freesias need?
NC State lists full sun to partial shade. In North Carolina it advises growing them as houseplants or in a greenhouse with morning sun plus afternoon shade. Maryland notes plants in too little light grow leggy.
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade | NC State |
| Day temperature | 60 to 70 degrees F | NC State |
| Night temperature | 40 to 55 degrees F | NC State |
| Corm depth | About 1 inch | NC State |
| Daily light | No more than 16 hours | Maryland |
Source: NC State Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
Why do freesias need cool nights?
NC State notes they require cool nights for peak flowering. It advises late summer planting for winter bloom in a well ventilated area.
How should freesia corms be potted?
NC State advises a deep pot, since the plant has a long tap root. Plant 6 to 8 corms about 1 inch deep, pointed end up plus 1 to 2 inches apart. Add coarse sand or crushed rock to a rich mix. UF/IFAS describes a corm as a stem with a papery covering.
How to: step by step
- Pick a deep pot.
- Plant 6 to 8 corms 1 inch deep.
- Space them 1 to 2 inches apart.
- Plant in late summer.
- Give bright light, no more than 16 hours a day.
- Hold nights between 40 and 55 degrees F.
Troubleshooting
Leggy stems: too little light. Maryland notes low light makes plants leggy.
Few flowers: warm nights. NC State notes they need cool nights.
Stunted growth: shallow pot. NC State notes a long tap root.
For lighting see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Freesia, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Forcing bulbs, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Other geophytes, UF IFAS Plant Propagation
FAQ
What light suits freesias indoors?
NC State Extension notes freesias prefer full sun to partial shade. Indoors it advises morning sun plus afternoon shade in a well ventilated spot.
What temperatures do freesias need?
NC State Extension gives daytime temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees F plus nights of 40 to 55 degrees F. It notes cool nights lead to peak flowering.
When should freesia corms be planted?
NC State Extension advises planting during late summer for winter blooming when grown as houseplants.
How deep should freesia corms go?
NC State Extension advises planting 6 to 8 corms about 1 inch below the soil, pointed end up, 1 to 2 inches apart in a deep pot.
When should young freesias be fed?
NC State Extension advises feeding young plants every 2 weeks with a liquid fertilizer once they are about 6 inches tall.
