Freesia is probably the most fragrant of the spring planting perennials. It grows from a corm that sends up a cluster of long narrow leaves with a slightly branched stem. The narrow funnel-shaped flowers grow as loose one-sided spikes along side a few leaves. Where the flowers begin to bloom the stem of the plant makes a bend so that the flowers face upward.
You can plant freesia corms close together; a five inch pot will hold six corms nicely. The soil should be light and well drained. For proper depth the top of the corm needs to be one inch below the soil. Cover thinly with soil and water lightly; continue this light watering until they begin to grow. A liquid fertilizer can be added to the
water after growth has started and after they start to bloom. If you are going to use freesia in a cut flower arrangement, cut them at the beginning signs of bloom. For summer and fall blooming freesia, late winter and early spring are the times to plant them. They also need to have full sunlight and a rich soil. Always allow the soil to dry between watering and you may need to stake them for added support.
Wax begonias are noted for their steady bloom and the size and shape of each variety. They can grow anywhere from 6 to 18 inches high and have a spread of 6 to 12 inches depending on the variety of begonia. Its
foliage can be red, bronze, or green; few of them have white leaves and some leaves are variegated. Their blossoms are available in shades of white, pink, and red with some varieties having double flowers. The wax begonia is considered a perennial plant in tropical or subtropical climates and as an annual in the cooler climates. Wax-leaf begonias prefer spotted or bright shade, most can handle heavy shade, and a few varieties can do very well in full sun. This shade loving plant also makes them suitable in containers and used as houseplants.
They are not concerned about the pH in the soil but they do prefer good drainage. The soil needs to be evenly moist for the best production of flowers but will handle dryness once they have become established. These begonias love to eat. Regular fertilizing will entice them to bloom all summer. Pinching often will result in plants that are fuller and have more blooms. They also like to have the daytime temperatures between sixty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit. They can also handle warmer and cooler temperatures but cannot tolerate any frost.
When it comes time for spring planting bulbs it is always better to follow the directions carefully on the bulb's package as to how deep to plant and the amount of sun they need. Some
spring planting bulbs require you to dig down at least five inches for planting. It is always better to plant them with the pointed end facing up for better growth.
