Blog

When to plant Freesia in Mims, FL

Spring Freesia in Mims goes in mid-spring–late spring, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from November 8 to November 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Freesia in Mims, FL

Freesias (Freesia spp.) are prized above almost all other cut flowers for their intense, sweet fragrance — a single stem can fill a room. Slender, arching stems carry one-sided sprays of funnel-shaped flowers in white, yellow, pink, orange, red, purple, and lavender. Native to South Africa's Cape region, freesias thrive in cool, mild weather and go dormant in summer heat, making them ideal for mild-winter climates where they bloom in late winter through spring. The 'Marilyn', 'Blue Heaven', and 'Yellow Rivers' cultivars are staples of the commercial cut flower trade.

Mims, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 19 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 335 days.

At an elevation of 491 feet, Brevard County receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 104°F, so Freesia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Freesia will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Freesia root diseases.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting Fragrant
Mims, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
335 days
Last Spring Frost January 19
335 growing days
First Fall Frost December 20

Mims Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Freesia

Freesia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Freesia Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Brevard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Freesia Planting Timeline — Mims, FL

Freesia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom November 8 Nov 8 – Dec 13
Fall Sowing November 8 Nov 8 – Nov 22

Plant 2" deep · 3" apart · Rows 4" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November Fall Sowing Bloom
December Bloom

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

84–112 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

335 days in Brevard County

Growing Tips for Mims

Plant corms 2 inches deep with the pointed end up, 2–3 inches apart, in autumn (September–November in zones 8–10). Full sun and excellent drainage are essential — freesias rot in soggy soil. They need cool but frost-free growing conditions (40–60°F nights) to initiate flower buds; warm nights above 70°F suppress bloom. In zones 8–9, provide a winter mulch if hard frost threatens. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally; this ripens the corm for the following year. In zones 8a–9b, corms may multiply and naturalize over time but perform best when replanted fresh each fall. In zones 10–11, plant from October through December for a January–April bloom. Freesias are toxic to cats and dogs.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Freesia in Mims, FL?

In Mims, FL, plant Freesia after the last frost (around January 19) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mims, FL for Freesia?

Mims sits in USDA Zone 10a. Freesia grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Freesia grow in Mims's climate?

Yes — Freesia grows well in Mims's temperate climate. Mims averages a 336-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 19 and first frost around December 20.

🌱

Your Brevard County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Brevard County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Brevard County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.