Waikato Garden Guide: Flowers To Plant In May

Waikato Garden Guide: Flowers To Plant In May

Autumn may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to! May is a brilliant time to plant a variety of flowers that will keep your garden blooming with colour and texture right through winter and into spring. Whether you're after bright fence lines, cheerful garden beds, or pollinator-friendly wild patches, there’s something for every gardener this season.

Here’s what to plant this May:

Alyssum: From seed: Sow directly into well-drained soil or seed trays. From seedlings: Plant out 10–15cm apart in sunny spots. Care: Deadhead dead flowers to keep them blooming. Great for edging and attracting beneficial insects.

Pansy & Viola: From seed: Start indoors or in trays. Note: they can be slow to germinate. From seedlings: Transplant when small but strong, space them 20cm apart. Care: Regular deadheading encourages non-stop flowering. They handle Waikato’s cool nights well.

Snapdragon: From seed: Sow indoors now for late winter/early spring blooms. From seedlings: Transplant to full sun, spacing 20–30cm apart. Care: Keep watered and pinch back early growth for bushier plants.

Calendula: From seed: Direct sow into garden beds. From seedlings: Transplant once established; space about 30cm apart. Care: Regular picking prolongs blooming. Edible petals and a magnet for pollinators making it great to grown around other plants.

Polyanthus: From seed: Sow in trays and be patient, they are slow germinators. From seedlings: Transplant into moist, enriched soil in part shade. Care: Feed monthly with liquid fertiliser. Remove dead blooms to keep the show going.

Winter Roses (Hellebores): From seed: Slow to grow, buy as young plants or potted specimens. From seedlings: Plant in rich, well-drained soil in dappled shade. Care: Mulch well. Cut back old leaves in late winter to let new flowers shine.

Wildflower Mix: From seed: Scatter directly into weed-free soil. Rake in lightly. Care: Water gently and let nature do the rest. Wildflowers are low-maintenance and great for bees.

Poppy: From seed: Sow direct as they don’t transplant well. Care: Thin out seedlings for better airflow. They love full sun and well-drained soil.

Sweet Pea: From seed: Soak seeds overnight then sow directly or in trays. From seedlings: Transplant once 10–15cm tall. Provide a trellis or support. Care: Feed with liquid fertiliser. The more you pick, the more they bloom.

Leucadendron: From seedlings or potted plants: These aren’t grown from seed easily at home. Care: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Water deeply but infrequently. Great as an evergreen feature.

Daisy: From seedlings: Plant out 30–40cm apart in a sunny spot. Care: Deadhead to extend flowering. Cut back in early spring for bushy regrowth.

Delphinium: From seed: Sow in trays now for spring transplanting. From seedlings: Space about 30–50cm apart. Care: Likes full sun and rich soil. Stake taller varieties.

Dianthus: From seed: Start in trays. From seedlings: Transplant to a sunny position with good drainage. Care: Fragrant and hardy. Trim after flowering to encourage a second flush.

Daffodil, Tulip & Hyacinth: Planting: May is prime time! Plant bulbs 2–3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. Care: Choose a sunny, well-drained site. Add bulb food at planting. Water well once after planting, then leave them mostly undisturbed.

Tip: Chill tulip bulbs in the fridge for 4–6 weeks before planting for best results in warmer Waikato areas.

May Flower Gardening Tips:

• Soil prep: Mix in compost or manure before planting.

• Mulch: Helps retain warmth and suppress weeds.

• Frost protection: Use frost cloth for delicate varieties.

• Feeding: A seaweed tonic or balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks can give your flowers a boost.

• Deadheading: Regularly remove dead flowers to prolong blooming and encourage new growth for next season.

Tip: Dead flower heads and leaves can be composted or left in the garden to break down. These help return nutrients to the soil.

Wrap up:

May in the Waikato might be a bit chilly, but it’s far from garden downtime. With the right choices, your flower beds can be full of life, colour, and fragrance through the cooler months. Whether you’re scattering wildflowers, planting bulbs, or giving your containers a fresh pop of pansies, there’s something for everyone. Rug up, grab a cuppa, and spend some time among the flowers this winter.