Autumn in Canberra
Flowers in season in Canberra in May
12 flowers are at market in Canberra in May, led by grevillea, protea and banksia.
Natives and grown here 4
Seasonal cut flowers 8
Farms and gardens to visit from Canberra
Commonwealth Park
Canberra · 1 km away
Best months: September to October
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Canberra · 2 km away
Best months: September to November
Corbett Gardens
Bowral · 148 km away
Best months: September to October
Where to buy flowers in Canberra
With no market in town, a local florist is the main way to buy, and most stock comes down from Sydney. Floriade is free to walk through, with NightFest and some events ticketed. For blossom, walk the suburbs in September and October rather than looking for cut stems, since cherry blossom isn't a regular florist line. The Australian National Botanic Gardens are open daily and are the best place to see waratahs and grevilleas in flower.
- Poetry in FlowersGungahlin
Grow your own
Plant in May, flowers later
What to get in the ground in May. Pick your climate: planting times shift a month or two between Hobart and Brisbane.
Plant now in temperate areas
Gladiolicorms
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Flowers in about 90 to 100 days, roughly 13 to 14 weeks.
How to plant gladiolus corms
- Plant from late winter in frost-free areas, and wait for early spring where winters are cold and wet.
- Choose full sun, sheltered from strong wind, in light, well-drained soil improved with compost and aged manure.
- Set corms flat side down, growing tip up, 10 to 15cm deep and 10 to 15cm apart. Groups of six to nine look best.
- Put stakes in at planting time so you don't spear the corms later. Tall spikes need the support once they open.
- Keep the soil moist while they grow but never boggy. Feed with a flower fertiliser before flowering.
- Plant a new batch every 4 to 6 weeks for a longer run of flowers.
Tip: Let the leaves brown and die off before cutting them back, as they feed the corm for next year.
Sources: diggers.com.au, gardenexpress.com.au, abc.net.au, ultimatebackyard.com.au, bunnings.com.au
Questions people ask
What flowers are in season in Canberra in May?
Grevillea, Protea, Banksia, Orchids, Roses and Lilies, and 6 more are at market in Canberra in May, based on the season for ACT.
Where can I buy wholesale flowers in Canberra?
With no market in town, a local florist is the main way to buy, and most stock comes down from Sydney. Floriade is free to walk through, with NightFest and some events ticketed. For blossom, walk the suburbs in September and October rather than looking for cut stems, since cherry blossom isn't a regular florist line. The Australian National Botanic Gardens are open daily and are the best place to see waratahs and grevilleas in flower.
Are there flower events near Canberra in May?
We don't have a flower festival listed near Canberra in May. Commonwealth Park is worth a visit this month.