27/03/2026
To enjoy your garden throughout the year requires planning.
April/May is prime for spring-flowering displays:
Annuals/seedlings: Pansies, primulas, poppies, calendula, Virginian stocks, gazanias, violas, petunias, cineraria.
Bulbs: Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, irises, freesias, ixias, sparaxis, chincherinchees, watsonia, and babiana. Plant in batches from April to end of May for staggered blooming. Indigenous South African bulbs naturalize beautifully here.
Perennials: Lupins, Shasta daisies, aquilegias. Plant new roses now—they settle in over winter and get a head start for spring.
Shrubs/trees: Drought-tolerant or autumn-color options like bougainvillea (though it prefers warmer spots), leucadendron, or other fynbos-friendly plants. This is a good time for planting many trees and shrubs as they establish with winter rains.
General Gardening Advice for April/May in Greater Cape Town
Soil prep: Add compost or organic matter. The Western Cape's soils can be sandy or clayey—improve drainage where needed.
Watering: Reduce as rains increase, but keep new plantings moist until established.
Pruning: Prune deciduous fruit trees (apples, pears) and roses if not already done. Spray dormant trees with appropriate products if needed.
Pests: Watch for aphids, snails, and slugs as it gets wetter.
Microclimates: Coastal areas (e.g., Cape Town CBD, Atlantic seaboard) are milder; inland spots like Stellenbosch or higher elevations may get more chill—choose frost-tolerant varieties if relevant.
