What flower seeds to sow in spring Australia

Flowers are synonymous with spring, so what better time to try growing them from seed?

There are so many options available, including some that should only be sown this season, so if you’re keen to garden now is the time to do it.

Seed sowing timing varies depending on what area of Australia you’re in so check whether you live in a tropical (Darwin, Cairns, Townsville), sub-tropical (Brisbane, Coffs Harbour), temperate (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Perth), cool (Melbourne, Canberra, Tasmania) or arid (Alice Springs, Tamworth) climate zone before choosing what veggies to grow.

Brachyscome Brachyscome iberidifolia, the Swan River daisy, is an annual herb found in Western Australia. This plant is also known as Swan River daisy. (Getty)

This native daisy looks darling as a border, in a pot and en mass. Its seeds can be sown in temperate and cool zones during spring and up until December by direct sowing or you can raise seedlings.

These plants will need full sun and well draining soil and bloom after 120 days.

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CalendulaCalendula attract aphids so they don’t nibble on your vegetable plants. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A brilliant trap crop for gardens that also looks bright and happy with orange and yellow tones.

All regions can sow calendula seeds in spring, though sub-tropical, arid and tropical regions have until the end of October to avoid the hotter weather.

Californian poppy A border with yellow and orange california poppies. Californian poppies look stunning when planted en masse. (Getty)

A beautiful hardy plant that offers lots of colour to the garden, Californian poppy seeds can be sown in all climate zones in spring.

Sow seeds directly in the ground or raise seedlings and plant on later. Flowers should bloom between 60 and 800 days.

Carnation Lush bush of bicolor light and dark pink Dianthus caryophyllus of Caryophyllaceae,also called carnation Doris,growing in garden,on sunny day. Selective focus ,close-up, square photo. Carnations take a long time to bloom so sow now for flowers around Christmas time. (Getty)

A classic romantic flower, carnation seeds can be sown until the end of October or you’ll have to wait until autumn.

Raise seedlings rather than direct sowing for best results and transplant once the seedling has grown true leaves (not the first one or two, but the next set). Flowers bloom between 180 and 200 days.

Cosmos Cosmos plants are an essential for many summer gardens, reaching varying heights in many colors. Beginner gardeners should consider cosmos as an option to start sowing seeds. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A great option if you’re growing from seeds for the first time, cosmos look delicate but are quite hardy and easy to grow.

Cool and temperate zone gardeners have plenty of time to sow cosmos this year, but sub-tropical, tropical and arid need to sow cosmos seeds by the end of October. Sow directly in the garden or raise seedlings and transplant later.

Dahlia Gardener harvesting dahlia blooms. Woman with pruning shears and beautiful dahlia flowers. Point of view. Growing cut flowers. Flower farming. Dahlias can be grown from seed or tuber. (Getty)

Most commonly grown from tubers, dahlias can also be grown from seed. The difference is each dahlia flower grown from seed will have a unique look unlike plants grown from tubers, which will be a direct match to the flower the tuber came from.

Cool and temperate zones can sow dahlia seeds all spring but sub-tropical has until the October’s end, while tropical and arid have only September left. If your region is still at risk of frost raise seedlings inside and when the risk of frost has passed transplant out.

Mosquito deterrent plant, flower

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Everlasting daisy Mass planting of pink paper daisies, everlasting daisies, rodanthe. A native Australian flowering plant. Another native flower, these daisies have a unique paper-like texture to their petals. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Also known as strawflower, paper daisy and Bracteantha, this stunning plant is native to Australia.

Cool and temperate regions can sow everlasting daisy seeds during spring but sub-tropical and arid regions will need to wait for autumn as these seeds shouldn’t be sown when it’s very hot or cold.

Sow seeds directly or raise seedlings, but whichever you choose make sure the seed isn’t sown more than 1mm deep as it needs light to germinate.

Lavender Mosquito deterrent plant Lavender produces a fragrance many find relaxing. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

One of the most popular flowers of all time for its beauty, fragrance and versatility, lavender can be sown from seed in all zones except tropical.

It’s better to raise seedlings rather than sow directly for best results. Lavender seeds are also very tiny so using a toothpick or mixing with sand before sowing helps.

Marigolds Mosquito deterrent plant, flower Marigolds are a must to have by or in your vegie garden. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

An important addition to the garden not just for its happy look, but also for deterring pests. Marigolds seeds can be sown in all zones during spring, but if you’re in a region where frosts are still a risk raise seedlings inside until the weather warms up.

You can either sow them directly into the ground or garden bed or raise seedlings in a tray and transplant later.

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Sunflower several blooming sunflowers in a garden Sunflowers are the ultimate statement plant. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Sunflowers are known for the tall varieties planted en masse in large fields but there are so many other varieties, including dwarf versions that can go in pots and produce more than one bloom.

All regions can sow sunflower seeds in spring either by sowing directly in the ground or raising seedlings.

Sweet pea multicolored blooming sweet peas - Cornwall, UK There are two times of year that sweet pea seeds can be sown. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you missed sowing sweet pea seeds in autumn then now is your chance, but only for cool and temperate zones.

Some experts advise soaking the seed first to improve germination, but this is becoming less recommended in recent years as it can cause the seed to rot. Sow seeds directly or raise seedlings but make sure wherever you have sown them has plenty of sunlight otherwise the seedling will bolt.

Zinnia Colorful zinnias in the garden. Zinnias are a classic cut flower variety. (Getty)

Another brilliant flower for beginner gardeners to grow from seed, zinnias are wonderful to have on hand to cut for vases at home.

All zones can grow zinnias in spring by sowing directly in the ground or raising seedlings. If raising seedlings take care not to disturb the roots when transplanting as this tends to upset them and impact their growth.

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