May in Australia brings a shift in seasons. Warmer regions see the tail end of the wet season, while cooler areas experience the beginning of winter chills. But one thing remains constant – it’s a fantastic time to get your hands dirty and plant some beautiful flowers!
This guide tackles flower seed selection for May, considering Australia’s diverse climate zones. We’ll break it down zone by zone and share some general tips for success.
Before You Dig:
Before you start planting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Wait until all danger of frost has passed, especially for delicate flowers. Loosen the soil in your garden bed and remove any weeds or debris. Adding compost or aged manure will give your seedlings a good nutrient boost. Most flowers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive, so choose a sunny spot in your garden. Finally, refer to the seed packet instructions for valuable information on planting depth, spacing, and watering requirements.
Identify your climate zone in Australia:
Zone 1 (Hot & Humid Summer, Warm Winter)
Embrace the humidity with shade-loving Impatiens, vibrant Celosia, dwarf Sunflowers for a burst of sunshine, and butterfly-attracting Pentas. Remember to water regularly during the dry season.
Zone 2 (Warm & Humid Summer, Mild Winter)
Cheerful Zinnias, pest-resistant Marigolds, continuously blooming Cosmos, and late-afternoon blooming Four o’clocks are perfect choices for Zone 2. Mulch around seedlings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Zone 3 & 4 (Hot & Dry Summer, Warm/Cool Winter)
Embrace drought-tolerant options like Portulaca (Moss Rose), Gaillardia, Verbena bonariensis, and even native Australian wildflowers. Deep watering with time for complete drying is key. Consider sheltered locations for seedlings in Zone 4’s harsh summer sun and winds.
Zone 5 (Warm Temperate)
Perth: Salvias (hummingbird favourites!), Gazanias, Marigolds, and dwarf Sunflowers are all fantastic choices. Perth residents, consider using a flower delivery Perth service to brighten someone’s day!
Other Zone 5 Locations: Add Cosmos, Zinnias, and dwarf Sunflowers to your May sowing list. Water regularly during establishment and reduce watering as they mature.
Zone 6 (Mild Temperate)
Melbourne: Pansies, Violas, Stocks, and Snapdragons thrive in Melbourne’s mild weather.
Other Zone 6 Locations: Sweet peas (cool weather germinators), Calendulas, and Dianthus (pinks) are fantastic additions to Zone 6 gardens. Sow cool-season flowers in well-drained locations with afternoon shade.
Zone 7 (Cool Temperate)
Tasmania: Wallflowers, Icelandic poppies, and Stocks are ideal for Tasmania’s cool summers.
Southern NSW & Victoria: Pansies, Violas, Calendulas, and Sweet peas (cool weather germinators) will flourish in the cooler temperatures. Protect seedlings from frost if necessary.
Zone 8 (Alpine)
May isn’t ideal for outdoor sowing, but start slow-growing perennials like Edelweiss or Alpine Forget-me-nots indoors for transplanting later.
General Success Tips
Here are some general tips to ensure your May-sown flower seeds thrive:
Water your seedlings regularly during the establishment period, but avoid overwatering. Aim for the soil to be consistently moist, not soggy. Once your seedlings have germinated and grown a few sets of leaves, you may need to thin them out. This ensures each plant has enough space to grow strong and healthy. Refer to the seed packet instructions for specific thinning guidelines.
Craving a pop of colour indoors? Surprise a loved one with a vibrant flower delivery Brisbane service while your own seedlings flourish in the garden! And once your seedlings are established, you can start feeding them with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that may affect your seedlings. Use organic methods whenever possible to control them.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s how to simplify:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the variety of options, here’s a simple approach: Choose a colour scheme for your garden and select flowers that complement each other. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flower varieties to create a visually interesting display. If you’re new to gardening, start with a few seed varieties and expand your collection as you gain experience.