Choosing seasonal flowers in Switzerland means fresher bouquets, more variety and often better value. In broad terms: bulbs and blossoms in spring (tulips, daffodils, ranunculus), peonies, sunflowers and dahlias in summer, dahlias, asters and chrysanthemums in autumn, and amaryllis, hellebores and evergreens in winter. Below is a month-by-month overview.
A word of caution: flowering times vary with altitude, weather and the year. Switzerland ranges from the mild shores of Lake Geneva and Ticino to alpine valleys, so a flower can bloom weeks apart from one region to another. Treat this guide as a general orientation, not a precise calendar. Florists also source flowers from greenhouses and abroad, so many varieties are available outside their natural season.
Seasonal flowers at a glance
| Season | Typical flowers | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, ranunculus, anemones, lilac, early peonies | Fresh, light, pastel |
| Summer (June–August) | Peonies, sunflowers, sweet peas, garden roses, lavender, dahlias, cosmos | Generous, colourful |
| Autumn (September–November) | Dahlias, asters, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, rose hips, foliage | Warm, rich, earthy |
| Winter (December–February) | Amaryllis, hellebores, forced bulbs, evergreens, berries, dried flowers | Festive, cosy |
Month by month
January
The quietest month for local flowers. Expect amaryllis, hellebores (Christmas roses), forced hyacinths and the first greenhouse tulips, alongside evergreen branches and dried flowers.
February
Early tulips, ranunculus and anemones start to appear at florists, mostly from greenhouses. Red roses dominate around Valentine’s Day, usually grown in greenhouses or imported. In 2027, Valentine’s Day is a Sunday; see our Valentine’s Day guide.
March
Spring arrives in the lowlands: daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, muscari and mimosa-style yellow tones. A cheerful time for spring bouquets, International Women’s Day (8 March) and Easter (28 March 2027).
April
The peak of bulb season: tulips in every colour, ranunculus, anemones, narcissi and flowering branches such as cherry and forsythia.
May
One of the richest months: lilac, lily of the valley (be careful with pets; see below), late tulips and the first peonies. Perfect for Mother’s Day, which falls on 9 May 2027 in Switzerland; see our Mother’s Day guide.
June
The heart of peony season, along with sweet peas, garden roses, cornflowers and delphiniums. Weddings and summer celebrations make this a busy month for florists.
July
Full summer: sunflowers, lavender, dahlias (starting), cosmos, zinnias, hydrangeas and phlox. Bouquets are generous and colourful.
August
Dahlias, sunflowers, hydrangeas, gladioli, asters and gerberas from greenhouses. Heat waves mean bouquets need extra care; see our tips on how to make flowers last longer.
September
Late summer abundance: dahlias at their best, asters, hydrangeas turning to antique tones, rose hips and amaranthus.
October
Autumn colours: chrysanthemums, dahlias (until the first frost), asters, physalis, coloured foliage and ornamental grasses. A good month for warm orange, burgundy and copper bouquets.
November
Chrysanthemums take centre stage, particularly around All Saints’ Day (1 November), when many people in Catholic cantons decorate graves. Remember that in Switzerland, chrysanthemums are strongly associated with remembrance, so avoid them as a cheerful gift. Also: hellebores, berries and the first evergreens.
December
Festive bouquets with amaryllis, ilex (holly), eucalyptus, pine and fir branches, hellebores and red roses. Christmas wreaths and table arrangements are popular.
Why seasonal flowers are a good choice
- Freshness: flowers bought at their natural peak are often more robust.
- Variety: each season brings shapes, colours and scents you won’t find all year.
- Value: florists can often buy seasonal flowers on better terms.
- Lower footprint: local, seasonal flowers may need less heating and less transport than out-of-season imports. Our article on sustainable flowers in Switzerland explores this in more detail.
Seasonal bouquets from Swiss florists
The simplest way to enjoy seasonal flowers is to let a florist choose:
- KANEL has a “seasonal selection” that changes through the year, with bouquets at CHF 74.90 (Classic), CHF 94.90 (Large) and CHF 124.90 (Premium), composed by hand on the day of delivery. Delivery CHF 14.90 across Switzerland, next day Tuesday to Saturday. We have no published information on where KANEL’s flowers come from, so we don’t make claims about their origin. Read our KANEL review.
- A flower subscription is a lovely way to follow the seasons, with a new bouquet every week, fortnight or month. KANEL’s subscription starts at CHF 59.90 per delivery, delivery included.
Prices checked October 2026.
Seasonal flowers by occasion
| Occasion | Season | Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Valentine’s Day | February | Red roses, ranunculus, tulips |
| Easter | March/April | Tulips, daffodils, branches |
| Mother’s Day | May | Peonies (early), ranunculus, lilac |
| Weddings | Summer | Peonies, garden roses, sweet peas |
| Birthdays | Any | Whatever is at its best that week |
| All Saints’ Day | November | Chrysanthemums, heathers, evergreens |
| Christmas | December | Amaryllis, evergreens, red roses |
For the meanings behind these choices, see our guide to which flowers to give for every occasion, and for key dates, our flower-giving calendar.
A note on pets
Several seasonal favourites are toxic to cats or dogs, including lilies, lily of the valley, daffodils, tulip bulbs and amaryllis. If the recipient has pets, read our guide to flowers toxic to cats and dogs before choosing.
Our advice: if you are unsure what to send, choose a seasonal bouquet and let the florist pick the best flowers of the week. KANEL’s seasonal selection is delivered anywhere in Switzerland the next day. For more help, see our guide to the best flower delivery in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Which flowers are in season in Switzerland in spring?
Typically tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, ranunculus, anemones, muscari and, from late spring, lilac and the first peonies.
Which flowers are in season in summer?
Peonies in early summer, then sunflowers, dahlias, sweet peas, cosmos, zinnias, hydrangeas, lavender and garden roses.
What flowers can I find in winter in Switzerland?
Locally, winter is quiet: amaryllis, hellebores, forced bulbs, evergreen branches, berries and dried flowers. Many cut flowers sold in winter are greenhouse-grown or imported.
Why choose a seasonal bouquet?
Florists can buy seasonal flowers at their best, so they are often fresher, more varied and better value. Seasonal and local flowers may also need less heating or transport.
Does KANEL offer seasonal bouquets?
Yes. KANEL's seasonal selection changes with the seasons, with bouquets at CHF 74.90, 94.90 and 124.90 (prices checked October 2026).