There’s something special about March in Tasmania.
The heat softens, the soil is still warm, and the garden begins to shift tone. Colours deepen, the light turns golden, and planting now allows roots to establish beautifully before winter. Autumn isn’t the end of the season — it’s a new chapter.
And it’s one of the smartest times of year to plant.
If you’re chasing reliable, long-lasting colour, you can’t go past pansies and violas. These cool-season favourites handle our chilly nights with ease and bring everything from rich velvets and deep purples to cheerful yellows and soft pastels. Violas offer a slightly smaller bloom and a softer, more romantic feel, while pansies give you bold impact. Planted now, they’ll establish quickly and continue flowering right through the cooler months.
For something a little different, poppies and ornamental kale create beautiful contrast. Poppies bring soft, papery petals and a touch of whimsy, while ornamental kale adds sculptural texture in shades of green, pink and purple. Together they create depth and interest in beds and containers, especially as summer annuals begin to fade.
Primulas thrive in the cool of early autumn and are brilliant for brightening up shadier corners. Their layered clusters of colour add richness just as the garden transitions seasons.
Snapdragons add height and drama. March planting allows them to take full advantage of cooler conditions, producing strong stems and vibrant spikes that create structure and attract pollinators.
Poppies: A Wild Pop of Color
For a touch of whimsy and wild beauty, consider planting poppies. These flowers are known for their delicate, tissue-paper-like petals and can range in colour from deep reds and oranges to soft pinks and whites. Poppies thrive in the cooler temperatures of Tasmania’s autumn, and planting them in March will result in a breathtaking display of colour and form.
Sweet Peas: Anticipation of Fragrance
March is also an excellent time to pre-purchase sweet pea seeds for planting on St. Patrick's Day. Sweet peas are cherished for their heavenly scent and beautiful, delicate flowers. By planning ahead and sowing them in mid-March, you'll be rewarded with climbing vines teeming with colourful blooms throughout the cooler months.
Embrace the New Season Bulbs
As we delve into the art of autumn planting, it's exciting to note that new season bulbs have arrived, ready to be nestled into the earth. This is the ideal time to think about planting bulbs such as lovely tulips, ranunculii, daffodils, freesias, and more. These bulbs will spend the cooler months developing underground, only to emerge in the heralds of spring with their spectacular blooms. Planting bulbs prior to mothersday ensures they have ample time to establish themselves for a vibrant spring display that will captivate and enchant.
As the warmer months subside in Tasmania, transitioning your garden with these carefully selected plants and bulbs can create a landscape brimming with life, colour, and fragrance. March is not just a time of change but a time of renewal and anticipation for the beauty yet to come. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice eager to bring more colour to your outdoor space, these flowers and bulbs offer the perfect palette to start your autumn garden journey.
