Sowing Colour in the Cold
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Winter Doesn’t Mean Dull – Sow These Flower Seeds Now!
Think winter means a sleepy garden? Think again!
South African winters are a secret season for sowing. While the weather cools down, your garden can begin warming up with a new wave of flowers that thrive in chilly air and gentle rains.
Whether you're in the misty Midlands, coastal KwaZulu-Natal, or the Mediterranean Western Cape, there are plenty of cool-season bloomers ready to burst into life with a little love this winter.
Top Flower Seeds to Sow in Winter
Here’s your essential guide to flowers that love South Africa’s winter months, complete with regional tips and when to sow:
Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Why we love them: Fragrant, romantic climbers that thrive in cool air.
Sow: April to July
Where: Western Cape, Highveld (protect from frost)
Why we love them: Hardy, bright, and endlessly cheerful!
Sow: Autumn to early winter
Where: Everywhere, especially Gauteng & Free State
Primulas (Primula malacoides)
Why we love them: Shade-loving charmers with soft, pastel petals.
Sow: May to July
Where: KZN Midlands, Gauteng
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea)
Why we love them: Elegant cottage-garden towers that bees adore.
Sow: Late winter
Where: Frost-free or sheltered areas
Delphiniums
Why we love them: Tall and regal—true garden royalty.
Sow: Winter to early spring
Where: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Highveld
Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule)
Why we love them: Cold-loving and bursting with colour.
Sow: May to July
Where: Highveld, Western Cape
Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Why we love them: Edible petals, medicinal uses, and nonstop blooms.
Sow: Autumn to winter
Where: Everywhere—especially Mediterranean zones
Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)
Why we love them: Like mini delphiniums with early spring elegance.
Sow: May to August
Where: Western Cape, KZN, Gauteng
Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)
Why we love them: Wispy, whimsical, and fascinating seed pods!
Sow: Winter and early spring
Where: Western Cape, Highveld
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Why we love them: Honey-scented ground cover that blooms for ages.
Sow: All winter
Where: Everywhere
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
Why we love them: Bold, bee-friendly spikes in rainbow colours.
Sow: Late autumn to winter
Where: Nationwide (start under cover in frost-prone areas)
African Daisies (Dimorphotheca)
Why we love them: Indigenous and incredibly drought-tolerant.
Sow: Winter to early spring
Where: Northern Cape, Western Cape, Free State
English Daisies (Bellis perennis)
Why we love them: Sweet button blooms that brighten beds and borders.
Sow: Late autumn through winter
Where: Gauteng, KZN Midlands, cooler regions
Why we love them: Colourful, water-wise ground cover native to SA.
Sow: May to August
Where: Western Cape, Northern Cape
Winter Flower Sowing Tips
Start in trays if you’re in a frosty zone—transplant when sturdy
Keep soil moist, not soggy
Mulch up to insulate roots
Full sun for most varieties—shade only where noted
Protect seedlings with cloches or cold frames in very cold areas
What to Sow, Where – Regional Highlights
|
Region |
Best Winter Flowers to Sow |
|
Western Cape |
Sweet peas, larkspur, African daisies, calendula, bokbaaivygies, poppies, delphiniums |
|
Gauteng & Highveld |
Pansies, violas, primulas, calendula, alyssum, nigella, snapdragons, English daisies |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
Snapdragons, alyssum, foxgloves, primulas, larkspur, calendula |
|
Northern Cape |
Calendula, alyssum, African daisies, bokbaaivygies, Iceland poppies |
Ready to Brighten Your Winter Garden?
The best gardens begin with a handful of seeds and a little seasonal magic. Winter is the perfect time to plan ahead for a blooming spring—so get sowing, and let your garden surprise you.