Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky (Pack of 10 Bulbs)

Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky (Pack of 10 Bulbs) (Freesia x hybrida) NOT to WA & TAS Add a touch of cool elegance to your spring garden with the Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky. This eye-catching variety produces large, richly fragrant blooms in captivating shades of purple and blue, making it one of the most sought-after colours in the Giant freesia range. Whether tucked into a sunny garden border or arranged in a vase on the kitchen table, the intense colour and heavenly scent of Blue Sky are guaranteed to impress. The Parigo Giant series, also known as Imperial Giants, has been bred for larger-than-average flower heads carried on strong, upright stems. This makes Blue Sky an exceptional choice for cut flower arrangements, where the oversized blooms create a dramatic focal point. Each stem bears a graceful spray of funnel-shaped flowers that open in succession, extending the display over several weeks. The robust stems hold up well in the vase and the flowers can last for over a week once cut. Product Highlights • Bulb count: 10 per pack • Flower colours: Purple-blue with lighter throat • Plant height: 30 to 40 cm • Bloom time: August to October (spring, mid-season) • Naturalising: Yes • Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade • Soil type: Well-drained, light, and fertile • Frost tolerance: Tolerates light frost down to 0 degrees Celsius Planting Instructions Plant Freesia Parigo Giant Blue Sky corms in autumn between March and May. Select a position in full sun for the strongest stems and most prolific flowering. Part shade for a portion of the day is tolerable, although stems may stretch in lower light. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of 20 cm and working in compost or well-rotted organic matter to ensure good drainage. Set each corm pointed end up at a depth of approximately 6 cm, allowing 10 cm between corms. Planting in groups of at least five corms produces the most striking effect. For container growing, choose a pot at least 20 cm deep and use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix. A small amount of gravel in the base of the pot will help prevent waterlogging. Watering and Care Give the corms a thorough watering at planting time, then keep the soil lightly moist through the growing period. Once flower buds begin to appear, water deeply once per week if rainfall has been insufficient. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, as freesia corms are susceptible to rot in overly wet conditions. Feed with a slow-release granular fertiliser at planting, then apply a liquid feed fortnightly once shoots emerge. Freesias respond well to potassium-rich fertilisers during the budding stage, which encourages strong flower colour and stem rigidity. Pruning Advice Cut flower stems for the vase when the first one or two buds on the stem have opened, as the remaining buds will continue to open indoors. In the garden, snip off faded flower stems at the base to keep the planting looking fresh. After flowering concludes, resist the temptation to remove the green foliage. The leaves must be left to die down naturally, as they channel energy back into the corm to fuel the following year's growth. Once leaves have turned completely yellow and papery, they can be gently pulled away or trimmed at ground level. Climate Zone Guide Cool and Alpine (ACT, VIC Highlands, NSW Tablelands) Thrives in these cooler regions. Provide a sheltered, north-facing spot and protect from severe frost with a light layer of mulch. Temperate (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, coastal NSW) Outstanding performance. These are the ideal growing zones for Giant freesias, producing the tallest stems and largest blooms. Subtropical (Brisbane, coastal QLD) Can be grown with pre-chilling. Refrigerate corms for four to six weeks before planting to replicate the cold period needed to trigger flowering. Tropical and Arid (Darwin, Far North QLD) Not recommended. The warm winter temperatures in tropical zones do not provide the cold dormancy period freesias require to flower. Important Warnings Freesia corms and foliage are generally considered to have low toxicity. However, ingestion may cause mild stomach discomfort in humans and pets. Keep corms stored safely away from young children and animals. Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation when handling corms, so wearing gloves during planting is recommended as a precaution. Do not plant freesia corms near vegetable gardens where they could be mistaken for edible bulbs.