Garden Delights Ranunculi & Freesia Duo
Botanical names - Ranunculus asiaticus & Freesia x hybrida
Ranunculi- small cottage type flowers in array of bright, bold colours. Very hardy, will grow in most conditions.
Freesia- ideal for mass colour planting in your garden. Grow freesias for their beautiful perfume, vibrant colour and excellent cut flowers.
Position - Grows best in full sun or part shade.
Climate - Grows well in warm to cool zones but is unsuitable for the tropics. Can tolerate temperatures down to 0°C.
Planting time - Autumn to Winter.
Watering - Ranunculi, Water well after planting; soak weekly until shoots appear, then only to supplement rainfall. Prefer a well-drained soil. Freesia, after planting give them a thorough watering, but do not water again until the foliage starts to appear. Natural rainfall should be sufficient
Flowering time - Spring.
Fertilising - Ranunculi, light organic or chemical fertiliser at planting time. Liquid fertilise after 10 weeks.
Freesia, prefers addition of slow-release granules to soil prior to planting or fertilize top dressing 6 weeks after shoots appear.
Soil - Neutral/Adaptable PH. Well-drained soil.
Pests - Slugs and bait snails when buds appear. Mildew can be a problem in autumn.
Growing Tips - Ranunculi, plant with claws facing downwards. To kick-start the growing process, soak the bulbs in a bowl of water for around an hour before planting. To keep blooms coming for a longer period, regularly cut off any dead and dying blooms. Best treated as annual or bi-annuals and new bulbs replanted every 1 to 2 years. Shelter from the wind recommended. Freesias grow well in pots. If using for cut flowers, cut when the lowest flower on the spike, as this will ensure long vase life. Bulbs can be left in the ground or lifted and stored if the clumps become too thick. If lifting wait until the leaves have turned yellow, dry and dust off the bulbs with a cloth and store in a warm and airy position.
(Available to purchase in Bunnings from February to May, or until sold out)
