'commercial freesias': Freesias in 2nd year and beyond
Roy M. Sachs (Sun, 28 Sep 2003 09:55:34 PDT)

Judy: I've grown 'commercial' freesias for 12 years, sometimes with
little trouble, but all seem to pick up viruses eventually, sometimes
even after the first year.

We have significant aphid and white fly attacks, particularly in
greenhouses, and I've assumed that that's the source of viruses.

It's a good idea to get rid of any freesia, brand new or in those
carried over, that show the characteristic virus-induced leaf
variegation.

All of the Dutch bred freesia that I've grown became virus-infected
and I presume that that's the reason for the admonition.

The only freesias that seems to remain virus-free for years and years
are F. alba (I've had them growing since 1990).

Roy