Halloween Plants and Traditions

Explore the tradition of Halloween and the meanings behind the iconic plants associated with it.

We also share tips for growing your own summer favourites while honouring the season's rich history.

So where did the tradition of Halloween come from?

In ancient times, the Celts of Ireland, Britain, and northern France celebrated a festival to mark the end of summer. This festival honoured both the harvest and the spirits of the departed. As the weather turned chilly and the days grew shorter, the Celts left food out for the spirits, hoping to keep them at a distance, as well as welcoming the change of season. During the celebration, they dressed up in costume, hoping the spirits would not recognise them - hence the Halloween tradition of dressing up.

The Romans brought their own customs, including a day in late October to honour the dead and celebrate Pomona, the goddess of fruit. This may have contributed to bobbing for apples becoming a Halloween tradition.

While the roots of these ancient traditions celebrate the end of summer and autumn harvests, in NZ Halloween is celebrated in spring, a time for planting our summer favourites such as tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, capsicum and chillies. Follow our vege planting guides here >

Many of the plants associated with Halloween carry their own rich meanings and stories.

Pumpkins hold their own charm. Jack-o-lanterns are thought to have originated from a Sommerset village in southern England. Lanterns were made from hollowed out turnips with a candle inside called ‘Punkies’. If the men had not come home from working in the fields on Halloween night, the women went out searching for them with their Punkies.
Check out our pumpkin growing guide here >

Apples have long been a beloved symbol of Halloween. Traditionally, they were thought to connect mortals to the divine, and stories tell of sitting before a mirror with a candle, eating an apple while thinking of a loved one - each would think of the other in return. It was once believed that apples could reveal the identity of their true love!
Follow our apple growing guide here >

Easy to grow herbs associated with Halloween 

Rosemary was hung in the cradles of infants to ward off evil eye. It was also burned with thyme and juniper as an incense as the smoke got rid of witches and evil spirits. It was also used to cleanse the air in a sick room.
Follow our rosemary growing guide here >

Sage has been cherished for its healing properties and was often regarded as a sign of wisdom. Sage grew best in the gardens of the wise.
Follow our sage growing guide here >

Whether you choose to avoid Halloween or embrace it by dressing up for a playful evening tricking or treating, it's a lovely time to reflect on the cycles of nature and the beauty of community.