RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 - How to watch on TV and BBC iPlayer and follow across the BBC

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns from Sunday 17 May 2026, and the BBC is once again offering audiences across the UK unparalleled access to the world’s most prestigious horticultural event, with comprehensive daily coverage across BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer throughout the week.

Coverage will be led by the trusted team of BBC presenters and horticultural experts. Kicking off the week's coverage on Sunday 17 May is Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost from 8pm on BBC Two. Sophie and Adam will be joined by Rachel de Thame and JJ Chalmers, with the first look at the Show Gardens and Great Pavilion exhibits, including the exclusive reveal of The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden.

Audiences can join Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell everyday from Monday 18 May at 2pm on BBC One Daytime for accessible, affordable take-home tips for gardeners of all abilities. Each day they will explore practical themes, from creating visual impact to encouraging wildlife and bringing a holiday feel to gardens at home and joined by Carol Klein, Frances Tophill, Sue Kent, Toby Buckland, Rachel de Thame, Flo Headlam and Chris Bavin.

There will also be a daily Chelsea Clinic with the gardening experts answering viewers’ gardening questions, and on Wednesday the presenters will launch the BBC RHS People’s Choice Award, with the winner announced on Friday afternoon.

And if you’re left wanting to see what’s happening at the show daily, head over to BBC Two at 8pm to join the Chelsea team for exclusive celebrity interviews, special coverage of the Royal Family’s annual visit, and in-depth exploration of the plant specialisms, growers, and designers from the show.

Monty Don will be joined by co-host Rachel de Thame at the start of the week – to reveal this year’s stunning Great Pavillion exhibits and show gardens culminating in the announcement of the RHS Chelsea Garden of the Year unveiled on medals day. Arit Anderson joins Monty later in the week as they look at new plant introductions, including the RHS Plant of the Year.

Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events says: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the RHS to showcase the very best of the world’s most famous flower show. The Chelsea Flower Show continues to set the standard for horticultural excellence and innovation, and this partnership allows us to bring its unique atmosphere and storytelling to a broad audience.”

Sophie Raworth says: “I've spent the last three weeks filming designers and growers as they build their show gardens at Chelsea. I can tell you it's going to be another wonderful year. We are in for a treat. It's my 12th year as part of the team at the Chelsea flower show, and it is always a highlight of my year. I can't wait to see it open to the public next week.”

How to watch the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 on TV and BBC iPlayer

Countdown to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026

Sunday 17 May on BBC Two and iPlayer from 8pm

Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost take a first look at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show 2026. They're joined by Rachel de Thame and JJ Chalmers to explore the latest garden design ideas across the showground and the impressive variety of floral exhibits in the Great Pavilion.

Plus the exclusive reveal of the RHS and the King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed by Frances Tophill and championed by the King, Sir David Beckham and Alan Titchmarsh.

Meanwhile, Arit Anderson unveils her first ever judged garden at Chelsea in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Daily

Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May on BBC One and iPlayer from 2pm until 3pm and BBC Two and iPlayer from 8pm

Daily programmes are presented by Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell while Monty Don's presenting Evenings all week from 8pm, alongside Rachel de Thame (Monday to Tuesday) and Arit Anderson (Wednesday to Friday).

Friday 22 May on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm

Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost are joined by special guest Dame Mary Berry, who is on a mission to discover more about growing peonies, one of her favourite flowers. Arit Anderson reveals the winner of Best Houseplant Studio, while Adam Frost and JJ Chalmers uncover all the latest trends to emerge from the show this year.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Highlights

Saturday 23 May on BBC Two and iPlayer from 8pm and Sunday 26 May on BBC One and iPlayer from 6.15pm

On Saturday Monty Don and Rachel de Thame look back at the highlights of their week at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. They celebrate some of this year’s inspirational garden designs and the horticultural excellence on display in the Great Pavilion. Also, they share the latest planting ideas and design trends that have been revealed this year.

Then on Sunday, Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost look back at the highlights and showcase the must-have plants, the award-winning gardens, the latest design trends for your garden, and the famous faces that have visited the world’s greatest gardening event this year.

•  Watch RHS Chelsea Flower Show on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist

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