Freesia
(derivation unknown). ORD. Irideae. A genus of a couple of species (in all probability, these are simply forms of one) of very pretty conservatory plants, from the Cape of Good Hope. They may be readily increased from seed, which should be sown as soon as ripe, in pots of light sandy soil, and placed in a sunny position, in a cool frame. When the young plants appear, air should be admitted; but draughts are very injurious, and must be specially avoided. As the seedlings do not succeed well transplanted, it is best to sow in 5in. pots, and thin out to six or eight of the strongest plants, this being about the space required for flowering bulbs. If sown in August, the young plants may flower the following spring, but this is by no means certain. They will, however, form good bulbs for the second year. Freesias intended for flowering should be shaken out of the old soil in August or September, and repotted in sandy loam, leaf mould, and decayed manure. The different sizes should be placed together in separate pots or shallow pans, in order to have plants uniform in strength when flowering. Water will not be required until growth commences, and a frame where frost is excluded will be warm enough. Plenty of air in mild weather, with a light position, is most conducive to a dwarf, sturdy growth. When the flowers appear, a little more heat may be applied to a portion for an earlier supply, others being left to form a succession. Freesias are largely and very successfully grown in Guernsey. They are potted in successive batches throughout the autumn, the first being inserted in August. These being flowering in December, and the supply is kept up until late in spring. The flowers are very fragrant, and last a long time when cut and placed in water. A number of slightly varying forms have received distinctive names in nurseries.
F. Leichtlinii (Leichtlin's). fl. yellow or cream-colour; funnel narrowing abruptly into the tube; throat more open, with the segments spreading less horizontally than in F. refracta. h. 1ft. 1875. (R. G. 808.) F. odorata (sweet-scented). A synonym of F. refracta. F. refracta (bent back). fl. pure white, sometimes marked with a few violet lines, and usually with orange patches on the lower segments of the perianth; funnel long, gradually narrowing into the tube below; throat of funnel somewhat narrow; segments spreading horizontally, and with a peculiar fragrance. SYN. F. odorata. (B. R. 135.) F. r. alba (white). fl. of the purest white, frequently without the orange-coloured blotches usually present in the type.