Spring in South Africa is often associated with the West Coast’s wildflower spectacle, but there is another way to experience flower season that feels far more personal. Instead of admiring blooms from behind a fence, you can wander through working flower farms, fill a bucket with seasonal stems and leave with a bouquet you’ve picked yourself.
Photo by Matthias Wesselmann / Unsplash
From the Cape Winelands to Bloemfontein and Benoni, flower farms around the country are opening their gates for visitors during spring and summer. Many began as family-run farms or small floriculture businesses before evolving into visitor experiences that celebrate locally grown flowers, sustainability and slow travel. If you’re looking to pick your own flowers in South Africa, these farms offer some of the country’s most memorable spring outings.
Where to pick your own flowers in South Africa this spring
Tal Florals, Bloemfontein
What started as a commercial cut flower farm has become one of the Free State’s best-known flower-picking experiences. Tal Florals grows seasonal flowers for florists and events, but each year the farm also opens selected fields to the public during its flower-picking season.
Visitors can stroll through rows of seasonal blooms before cutting their own bouquet. Spring flowers include sweet peas, ranunculus, anemones, snapdragons and stocks, while the warmer months bring dahlias, lisianthus, celosia, zinnias and garden roses.
Best time to visit: September to April, with spring offering the widest variety of cool-season flowers. Saturday mornings are reserved for flower picking.
How to book: Tickets are purchased through the Tal Florals website before your visit. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own garden scissors and a bucket.
View this post on Instagram
Flower Haven Farm, Benoni
Set within the grounds of Shed & Silo in Benoni, Flower Haven Farm was created to introduce visitors to the journey from field to vase. The family-run farm has grown into a botanical destination that combines flower picking with educational workshops and seasonal events.
Unlike traditional flower farms that focus solely on harvesting, Flower Haven encourages visitors to slow down, explore the gardens and learn about growing seasonal flowers. During flower season, guests receive snips before heading into the fields to build their own bouquet.
Best time to visit: Flower season generally runs from August until April, with weekend openings depending on weather conditions. Early mornings are recommended for the freshest blooms.
How to book: Walk-ins are welcome, although pre-booking is recommended for larger groups. Opening dates and seasonal updates are announced on the farm’s website.
View this post on Instagram
Adene’s Farm Flowers, Gauteng
Although best known for its flower farm in the Western Cape, Adene’s Farm Flowers also brings its popular Pick Your Own experience to Gauteng each spring at The Big Red Barn in Olifantsfontein. Established by horticulturist Adene Cronje, the farm specialises in premium cut flowers while opening its gates on selected dates each year for its much-loved Open Days.
Visitors are invited to wander through the flower fields, enjoy the beautiful scenery and purchase fresh bouquets directly from the source. The experience is less about picking your own flowers and more about celebrating locally grown blooms during their peak season.
Best time to visit: Spring, particularly between August and October when Open Days are typically scheduled.
How to book: Open Days are announced on the Adene’s Farm Flowers website, with online bookings required before visiting.
View this post on Instagram
Chart Farm, Wynberg
Long before flower farms became popular weekend destinations, Chart Farm was already welcoming visitors to its rose gardens. Established in the 1960s on the historic Klaasenbosch Estate in Wynberg, it remains one of Cape Town’s oldest rose farms.
During flowering season, visitors can walk through thousands of roses with Table Mountain providing the backdrop. Fresh roses can be purchased directly from the farm, making it a favourite stop for photographers and gardeners alike.
Best time to visit: October through November, when the roses are at their peak.
How to book: No advance booking is usually required for general visits. Current opening hours are available on the Chart Farm website.
View this post on Instagram
Akanaka Blooms, Johannesburg
Akanaka Blooms has recently relocated to Walker Fruit Farms in De Deur, south of Johannesburg. The boutique flower farm focuses on sustainably grown seasonal blooms and offers visitors an opportunity to experience flowers closer to where they are grown through workshops and seasonal events.
Rather than large-scale tourism, Akanaka offers intimate experiences centred around flowers, creativity and the changing seasons.
Best time to visit: Spring and early summer, when seasonal flowers are in full bloom.
How to book: Workshops and seasonal events are released throughout the year on the Akanaka Blooms website, with advance booking recommended.
View this post on Instagram
Flourish Urban Flower Farm, Cape Town
Flourish Urban Flower Farm proves you do not need sprawling countryside to grow spectacular flowers. This urban flower farm was established to supply locally grown seasonal blooms while promoting sustainable floriculture within the city.
Throughout the flowering season, Flourish hosts workshops and occasional open farm experiences where visitors can learn about growing cut flowers, arranging bouquets and supporting local flower growers.
Best time to visit: Spring through early summer.
How to book: Workshop dates and visitor experiences are announced via the Flourish Urban Flower Farm website.
View this post on Instagram
Femme Petale Flowers, Pretoria
Located just outside Pretoria, Femme Petale Flower Farm grows seasonal flowers while offering visitors a chance to experience locally cultivated blooms in a peaceful countryside setting. The farm is known for its floral workshops, events and thoughtfully designed experiences celebrating seasonal flowers.
Although primarily known for weddings and floral design, the farm also hosts seasonal experiences and workshops that allow visitors to connect with the flowers behind the arrangements.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer, when seasonal flowers are at their best.
How to book: Upcoming events and workshops are listed on the Femme Petale Flowers website.
View this post on Instagram
Pick your own flowers in South Africa this spring
There is something deeply satisfying about leaving a flower farm with muddy shoes, tired hands and a bouquet you picked yourself. These experiences invite travellers to slow down, appreciate the rhythm of the seasons and discover the people growing some of South Africa’s most beautiful blooms.
With flower season now underway across much of the country, these farms offer a refreshing alternative to the usual spring road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a quick weekend escape, picking your own flowers in South Africa is one of spring’s simplest pleasures.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
ALSO READ:
10 quaint and quiet towns worth exploring in the Western Cape
