There’s something magical about the month of May. The sun is warmer, the days are longer, and nature seems to hum with excitement. This is the month where everything comes alive—and it’s the perfect time to sow the blooms of joy that will fill your garden with colour, fragrance, and life all summer long.
If you’re looking to add beauty and spirit to your garden, here are the best flowers to sow in May. Whether you’re working with pots, beds, or borders, these blooms of joy promise to uplift your space and your soul.
1. Sunflowers – Bright, Tall, and Joyful
Nothing says sunshine like a sunflower. These towering giants are cheerful and dramatic, bringing golden blooms of joy to any corner of your garden. They’re also incredibly easy to grow from seed in May, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels.
Sow tip: Plant directly in the ground about 1.5 cm deep. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot, and space them well to avoid crowding. Watch them rise!

2. Cosmos – Light and Breezy Elegance
If you’re after soft colours and butterfly-attracting magic, cosmos are ideal. Sown in May, these gentle beauties bloom into soft pinks and whites that add an airy charm to your garden.
Sow tip: Scatter seeds where they’ll grow, or start in trays for transplanting. Cosmos love poor soil and thrive with minimal fuss—true blooms of joy.
3. Zinnias – Bold Colour Bursts
Zinnias are unapologetically vibrant, bursting with colour and character. In May, sow them for a mid-summer explosion of brightness in your garden. These hardy annuals also make perfect cut flowers, bringing blooms of joy indoors too.
Sow tip: Sow after the last frost, directly in the sunniest part of your garden. Thin them for airflow and long-lasting blooms.

4. Nasturtiums – Edible and Easygoing
Fun, fast, and totally edible nasturtiums bring quirky colour to pots, hanging baskets, or trailing along paths. Their cheerful blooms of joy are a staple for any May planting plan.
Sow tip: Pop seeds straight into well-drained soil. Don’t overfeed—nasturtiums thrive in tougher conditions and reward you with petals and leaves that are salad-ready.
5. Calendula – Healing Golden Glows
Calendula, or pot marigold, is a classic for a reason. With its warm orange and yellow hues, it fills your garden with sunny blooms of joy and offers healing properties too.
Sow tip: Sow directly outdoors in May. Deadhead regularly for continuous blooming through to autumn.

6. Sweet Peas – Scented and Stunning
Still time to sow sweet peas in May! Their fragrance is unforgettable, and the climbing blooms are delicate and romantic—true blooms of joy that add vertical elegance to your garden.
Sow tip: Soak seeds overnight. Plant by trellises, arches, or wigwams, and keep picking to encourage more flowers.
7. Godetia – Underrated Cottage Charm
Often overlooked, godetia brings a vintage feel to your garden. Its silky blooms in pinks and pastels are ideal for creating relaxed, meadow-like beauty. Perfect to sow in May for mid-to-late summer colour.
Sow tip: Sow directly where they’ll flower. Water gently and let them grow naturally. They’re low-fuss blooms of joy with big charm.
Make Your Garden a Sanctuary
Your garden is more than a space—it’s a living, breathing retreat. And to give your seedlings the best start, think about light and shelter. Springtime showers and strong sun can both challenge new growth.
Intelroll awnings offer the perfect protective touch, shielding your flowers from harsh weather while providing you a relaxing, shaded space to enjoy their beauty. It’s functional flair that helps preserve the blooms of joy you’re cultivating in your garden.
Final Thoughts: Plant Joy in May
There’s no better time than May to sow hope, colour, and beauty. These flowers are more than décor—they’re symbols of growth, peace, and joy. Every seed you plant this May is a quiet promise that soon, your garden will overflow with the blooms of joy that light up not just your home, but your spirit.
So go ahead—get your hands a little dirty, dream in colour, and let the earth surprise you.
This May, let every bloom be a celebration of life and every garden moment a gentle reminder that beauty is always waiting to grow.