Summer in Sydney
Flowers in season in Sydney in December
20 flowers are at market in Sydney in December, led by NSW Christmas bush, flannel flower and frangipani. 2 flower events are on nearby.
Natives and grown here 6
Seasonal cut flowers 14
Flower events near Sydney in December
Farms and gardens to visit from Sydney
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney · 1 km away
Best months: August to October
Auburn Botanic Gardens
Auburn · 18 km away
Best months: August to September
Corbett Gardens
Bowral · 99 km away
Best months: September to October
Where to buy flowers in Sydney
The Sydney Flower Market at Flemington lets the public in Monday to Friday 6am to 9am and Saturday 5am to 9am, closed Sunday. Florists have been buying since 5am, so go as the doors open, bring cash and buckets, and expect to buy by the bunch. For everyday flowers, a local florist like Tulipanna on Bondi Road, trading since 1992, is the easy option. Pick-your-own farms on the Central Coast and in the Hunter are mostly ticketed, so book ahead.
- TulipannaBondi · founding florist
- The Naked FloristNewcastle
Grow your own
Plant in December, flowers later
What to get in the ground in December. Pick your climate: planting times shift a month or two between Hobart and Brisbane.
Plant now in temperate areas
Dahliastubers
- J
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Flowers in about 2 to 3 months, with the main flush later in summer and autumn.
How to plant dahlia tubers
- Wait until frost has passed and the soil has warmed to about 15 to 18°C before planting.
- Pick a spot with six to eight hours of direct sun and shelter from strong wind. In hot areas, afternoon shade helps.
- Dig in compost and aged manure. Where summers are wet, go easy on compost and plant on a slight mound so tubers don't rot.
- Put a sturdy stake in first, then plant the tuber 10 to 15cm deep beside it, eye facing up, about 60cm apart.
- Don't water after planting unless the soil is bone dry. Water lightly once shoots appear, then weekly once plants reach 15 to 20cm.
- In frosty or wet areas, lift tubers once the foliage dies back and store them cool and dry until spring.
Tip: In frost-free gardens with good drainage you can leave the tubers in the ground over winter instead of lifting them.
Sources: gardenexpress.com.au, gwynganadahlias.com.au, abc.net.au, theseedcollection.com.au, salisburygrange.com
Plant now in temperate areas
Gladiolicorms
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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 Sydney in December?
NSW Christmas bush, Flannel flower, Frangipani, Gardenia, Delphinium and Sturt's desert pea, and 14 more are at market in Sydney in December, based on the season for NSW.
Where can I buy wholesale flowers in Sydney?
Sydney Flower Market: Public welcome Monday to Friday 6am to 9am and Saturday 5am to 9am. Closed Sunday. Registered commercial buyers can enter from 5am on weekdays.
Are there flower events near Sydney in December?
Yes: Hunter Lavender Farm Lavender Field Walks (Broke) and Summer Orchid Festival (Georges Hall). See each event page for dates, prices and hours.