Autumn in Melbourne
Flowers in season in Melbourne in May
13 flowers are at market in Melbourne in May, led by dahlias, protea and banksia.
Natives and grown here 4
Seasonal cut flowers 9
Farms and gardens to visit from Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens
Melbourne · 2 km away
Best months: September to November
Warratina Lavender Farm
Wandin North · 42 km away
Best months: November to December
Red Hill Lavender Farm and Distillery
Main Ridge · 64 km away
Usual season: September to May
Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
Shoreham · 67 km away
Best months: not yet confirmed
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
Shepherds Flat · 96 km away
Best months: January to March
Pure Maiden Farm
Maiden Gully · 139 km away
Usual season: September to May
Where to buy flowers in Melbourne
The flower market at Epping is wholesale only, trading Tuesday and Thursday 3.30am to 7am and Saturday 4.30am to 7.30am. The public way in is a C the Market tour, most Saturdays 5am to 7am, booked by the Friday, no children. Otherwise, buy from a florist. Pure Maiden Farm at Maiden Gully, near Bendigo, has walk-in pick-your-own Wednesday to Saturday from spring to autumn, and Otway Flower Farm runs a farm-gate stall from October to March.
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 Melbourne in May?
Dahlias, Protea, Banksia, Roses, Hydrangea and Grevillea, and 7 more are at market in Melbourne in May, based on the season for VIC.
Where can I buy wholesale flowers in Melbourne?
Melbourne Market flower market (National Flower Centre): Wholesale only. Melbourne Market is not open to the general public. Trade buyers must meet the operator's access requirements. Check the official site for current hours and registration.
Are there flower events near Melbourne in May?
We don't have a flower festival listed near Melbourne in May. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens is worth a visit this month.