Classic Flowers

Experience the Beauty of Freesia: Delivered Fresh from Guernsey!

At Classic Flowers we have proudly cultivated and delivered exquisite freesia for nearly 35 years. As the last freesia grower on the picturesque island of Guernsey, our story is one of passion and perseverance in an industry that once flourished here. In the early days, over 1,000 growers nurtured freesia across 100 acres of glasshouses. Today, we continue with unwavering dedication to quality and beauty.

Freesia’s Fascinating Journey

Freesia, native to the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, were first discovered in 1790. The original freesia Armstrongii and freesia Refracta boasted 17 enchanting sub-varieties. Through decades of meticulous crossbreeding, these varieties evolved into the stunning modern cultivars we see today. A significant leap in freesia cultivation occurred in the 1950s when the diploid freesia (with two sets of chromosomes) transformed into the robust tetraploid varieties (with four sets of chromosomes). This breakthrough paved the way for stronger, larger, and more prolific freesia.

Year-Round Freesia Blooming Magic

In their natural habitat, freesia bloom in late winter, awakened by the warmth of the South African summer. To bring this splendour to your doorstep all year round, we recreate this summer magic in our specialised heat store. By treating the corms to 28°C temperatures and 80% humidity for three months, we prepare them for planting. In Guernsey, freesia naturally flower from early to mid-March. But to delight you with off-season blooms, we carefully regulate the glasshouse temperature. Maintaining a cool environment is key: temperatures above 16°C at the corm’s growing tip lead to leafy growth without flowers. We achieve this balance by applying a unique water-based shading mix, often multiple times during a crop to counteract the effects of rain or hail.

To further manage temperature, we insulate the ground with wood shavings. This layer keeps the corms cool in summer and provides warmth in winter, preventing early flowering and ensuring each blossom reaches its full potential.

Meticulous Care for Exceptional Freesia

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond growing; we nurture our freesia with the greatest care year-round. From the moment a corm is planted to the day a blossom is picked, we attend to every detail, ensuring each flower is of the highest quality and possesses the most striking look. This dedication means that when you receive your freesia delivery, they are as fresh and beautiful as possible, ready to offer a long and vibrant vase life.

Innovative Freesia Varieties

The freesia world was revolutionized in the mid-1990s with the introduction of the Rapid series by Flamingo of Holland. Available in stunning shades of blue, white, red, pink, and yellow, these freesia thrived in higher temperatures and flowered effortlessly. This was followed by the Beach series, which enhanced productivity and boasted even stronger stems. Among these, the Rapid yellow freesia remains a favorite, renowned for its prolific reproduction and robust presence in our diverse freesia stocks.

Discover our beloved freesia bouquets and enjoy the convenience of freesia delivery straight to your door. Click here to explore our collection and bring a touch of Guernsey’s floral heritage into your home. Our flowers are picked and dispatched promptly, ensuring they arrive fresh and vibrant, ready to brighten any space with their captivating beauty.

To view our much-loved freesia bouquets click here https://www.classic-flowers.co.uk/product-category/freesia/]

Our heat treatment store.