Climate Zones for Australian Gardeners
Knowing your climate zone will help you decide the best time to sow the vegetables, herbs and flowers you want to grow, and which varieties should perform well in your garden. Growing plants that are suited to your climate zone will usually give you the best results in your garden.
How to Use Climate Zones
First, find your climate zone using the map or descriptions below. Next, refer to our sowing chart, which provides approximate sowing times for our most popular seeds for each climate zone.
While knowing your climate zone is helpful when planning your garden, there are many other factors that may affect how your plants grow, including unseasonal weather conditions, the specific microclimate of your garden and how you care for your plants. You know your garden better than us, so if a different climate zone seems to ‘fit’ your garden better, go ahead and use it as a guide.
Our climate zones cover huge areas of Australia, so we recommend gardeners also consider their local conditions when planning what and when to plant. For example, gardeners in alpine areas have shorter growing seasons than gardeners in cool coastal areas, even though both alpine and coastal areas are included in our ‘Cool Temperate’ climate zone. We recommend gardeners in cool regions look at the ‘days to maturity’ information provided for each variety and choose those that will mature in a short (6-12 week) growing season.
Tropical
- Includes: Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Exmouth
- High humidity summers with most rainfall in summer and dry, warm winters. Includes northern Australia from Exmouth (WA) across to south of Townsville (Qld).
- Set as my climate
Arid
- Includes: Alice Springs, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo
- Hot dry summers, winters can be warm or cool depending on the region. Includes a large area of central Australia from the WA coast to Charleville (Qld), Tamworth (NSW) and Albury-Wodonga (NSW/Vic).
- Set as my climate
Subtropical
- Includes: Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast
- Warm humid summers with high summer rainfall and mild winters. Includes coastal Queensland and northern NSW from north of Mackay to just south of Coffs Harbour.
- Set as my climate
Temperate
- Includes: Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Central Coast NSW, Wollongong, Bunbury
- Moderate humidity and reliable rainfall, with four distinct seasons. Includes coastal areas from north of Port Macquarie to south of Woollongong in NSW, coastal SA and the southeastern coast of WA.
- Set as my climate
Cool Temperate
- Includes: Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mt Gambier
- Low humidity with most rainfall in winter; hot dry summers and cold winters. Some regions will experience frosts and snow. Includes coastal areas of south-eastern Australia and alpine areas of Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.
- Set as my climate
Climate Zones FAQ
What if I can’t find my climate zone?
If you can’t locate your zone from looking at the map or the descriptions on this page, we suggest that you think of
an area that has a climate that’s similar to yours and use the zone for that area as a guide.
What if I live on the border of two zones?
If you live near the border between two zones we suggest you read the descriptions for both zones and decide which
best describes the climate where you live. Depending on the microclimate in your garden, you may be able to grow a
wider range of plants over a longer season than others in your zone. Lucky you!
What is a microclimate?
A microclimate is a small area where the temperature or humidity differs to the climate of the surrounding area. For
example, if you live in a climate zone where frosts are common but your garden is protected by buildings or large
trees, your garden may be frost-free. Similarly, if you live in a warm temperate zone but your garden is at a high
altitude your microclimate may have more in common with the cool temperate zone, so use this as a guide when
deciding which zone is relevant to you.
Can I grow varieties not listed for my climate zone?
While our climate zones and sowing chart will help you decide what is suitable to plant in your garden, they provide
general guidance only. We recommend you start by sowing seed that’s recommended for your climate zone; once you get
a few successes under your belt you can experiment with varieties in neighbouring zones and see how you go –
gardening is all about experimenting after all!
Seed Subscription: Flower, Arid Climate, Spring 2024
Description
Seed Subscription: Flower, Arid Climate, Spring 2024
Subscriptions are an excellent way to explore new seed varieties without having to spend time choosing the seeds yourself, and are perfect for busy gardeners, delivering seeds and all the information you need to plant them directly to your letterbox.
Each season we’ll choose a selection of seed varieties tailored to your climate, and send you the seeds plus a colour information sheet with photos, tips and sowing information - all you need to do is plant!
You are currently viewing a single season of seeds which can be purchased individually. To subscribe to a years worth of seeds click here.
Seeds included in this subscription:
Californian Poppy- Purple Gleam
Annual plant growing to 40cm with grey/green fern-like foliage. Produces rose-purple blooms fading to cream. Flowers turn pink and close in dull weather. Ideal for beds, borders, rock gardens, and meadows. Grows in poor soil. Drought tolerant.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 3mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 16-21°C.Annual. Height 40cm, Spacing 30cm. 70 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: AUG SEP OCT (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Aster- Tall China Mix
Fast-growing, 70cm annual plants blooming early with violet, pink, magenta, white flowers around a yellow disc. Excellent cut flower, adds garden colour, attracts bees and butterflies. Ideal for beds, borders, containers; heat and drought tolerant.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 10-15 days @ 21-22°C.Annual. Height 70cm, Spacing 30cm. 100 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: JUL AUG SEP OCT (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Coreopsis- Dwarf Radiata Mix
A 40cm tall annual with narrow green leaves and gold-red daisy-like flowers from spring to autumn. Drought tolerant, attracts bees and butterflies. Good for cut flowers and dye. Ideal for borders, rockeries, or containers. Also known as 'Golden Tickseed'.
Raise seedlings or sow direct, 1mm. Germination 7-30 days @ 12-21°C.Annual. Height 40cm, Spacing 30cm. 70 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: MAR APR AUG SEP (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Calendula- Pink Surprise
40cm annual with bright green foliage, large double pink-orange flowers. Known as "Pot Marigold", popular in herbal medicine. Ideal for beds, borders, containers, cut flowers. Attracts beneficial pollinators. Easy to grow.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 15mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 20-22°C.Annual. Rows 50cm, Height 40cm, Spacing 50cm. 60-70 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: MAR APR MAY AUG SEP OCT (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
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Yarrow- Cloth of Gold
Perennial growing to 150cm. Erect with light green fern-like leaves, producing tall stems with dense clusters of small yellow flowers. Flower heads up to 15cm wide. Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and as dried or cut flowers.
Raise seedlings, 2mm. Germination 10-14 days @ 18-22°C.Perennial. Height 150cm, Spacing 80cm. 130-150 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: AUG SEP OCT (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Pincushion Flower- Lavender Blue
Perennial up to 90cm with serrated leaves and large lavender-blue flowers. Ideal for cut flowers, gardens, borders, and beds. Low maintenance, drought tolerant, attracts bees and butterflies. Known as "Sweet Scabious", used medicinally in the past.
Raise seedlings or sow direct, 5mm. Germination 10-12 days @ 18-21°C.Perennial (short lived). Height 90cm, Spacing 25cm. 190 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: MAR APR AUG SEP (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Chrysanthemum- May Queen
A perennial herb growing to 80cm with dark green, toothed leaves and medium-sized white flowers with a yellow disc. Ideal for gardens, borders, beds, and containers. Attracts insects and butterflies. Also known as 'Ox-eyed Daisy' or 'Marguerite'.
Sow direct, 4mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 20-22°C.Perennial. Height 80cm, Spacing 40cm. 365 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Carnation- Raspberry Ripple
Perennial plant, 60cm tall, with silver-grey grass-like leaves. Stems bear multiple double flowers, white with raspberry stripes and petal edges, and a clove-like scent. Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and as a cut flower.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 18-22°C.Perennial. Height 60cm, Spacing 35cm. 180-200 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Marigold, French- Mr Majestic Double
Marigold growing to 40cm with double bicoloured daisy flowers of bright yellow and deep red petals. Blooms from mid-summer to mid-autumn. Ideal for containers, small spaces, bedding, borders, and as a companion plant in vegetable gardens. Easy to grow.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 5mm. Germination 4-7 days @ 24-28°C.Annual. Height 40cm, Spacing 30cm. 80-90 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: JAN FEB JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Nasturtium- Salmon Baby
Annual dwarf variety with green leaves, semi-double salmon flowers. Ideal for beds, borders, rockeries, terraces, containers. Easy to grow, drought tolerant, tolerates poor soil. Suitable for mass planting and hanging baskets.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 15mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 16-20°C.Annual. Height 30cm, Spacing 25cm. 70-80 days.
Best months in Arid Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Tips for gardening in spring:
Spring Gardening
Tips for gardening in spring:
Spring cleaning: Use this checklist to carry out a garden inspection.
- Plant damage - look for plants damaged by winter rains, cold temperatures, frost, snow, or wind. Tidy up plants and provide stakes or support where necessary. Make a note of which plants will need protection from winter weather for next year. Also look for rodent damage on woody plants, and evidence of new rabbit burrows or new shoots being eaten by rabbits. Protect plants with wire cages where appropriate.
- Hardscaping and outdoor living areas - check paving and decking for algae and mould if it’s in a shaded area and give it a good clean. Sweep patios and paths, and clean outdoor furniture. Gravel paths might need resurfacing. Check decks, benches, sheds, fences and wooden trellises for rotting timber. Walls that have become bowed may need fixing or reinforcing, and stepping stones or paving that has shifted may cause a trip hazard.
- Check gutters and drains - clearing out leaves and twigs reduces potential fire hazards and ensures any rainwater can run off easily.
- Irrigation system - check for leaks and parts that need to be repaired and unclog sprinkler heads that have become clogged with debris.
- Clean up garden beds - rake up old plant debris and matted fallen leaves if you didn’t do this in autumn. Doing so keeps pests and diseases at bay that thrive under such conditions.
- Clean out bird baths and remove debris from water features and ponds.
Soil preparation: Boost soil structure and fertility by sprinkling with a slow-release organic fertiliser and topdressing with well-rotted compost or well-aged manure. Take extra care if using chicken manure, and use it sparingly, as it can be high in ammonia which can burn your plants.
It is helpful to test your soil every 3-5 years to check if it is becoming deficient (or too rich) in any particular nutrient. The pH of the soil can sometimes limit the uptake of certain nutrients, so checking the pH is a good place to start. If necessary, amend the soil accordingly.
Refresh the soil in pots and containers. Over time, nutrients are used up and soil may become compacted or hold less water. Repot suitable plants (divide if appropriate) into fresh potting mix, or simply remove the top few centimetres of soil and replace with fresh mix.
Get planting: If you haven’t already planned your garden, sort through your seeds and decide what you want to plant and where. If it’s still a bit cold in your area, you can start seeds indoors on a heat mat or in a mini greenhouse. If sowing directly in the garden, try the scatter method of sowing for a more informal approach this year.
If any of the flowers or vegetables you are planning on planting require support like stakes or trellises, set them up when you sow your seeds. This avoids disturbing the roots of newly emerging seedlings and young plants later on.
In some areas there may still be a risk of frost, so keep an eye on the weather report and be ready to protect your plants from a sudden cold snap. A layer of mulch or frost cloth, or even a cloche over early seedlings can help.
Pests and diseases to look out for in spring:
Slugs and snails: Snail and slug eggs that have overwintered begin to hatch as the weather warms up. Baby snails and slugs start feeding immediately and cause as much damage to flowers and vegetable seedlings as the adults. Control and reduce their number by picking them off and removing weeds and places that provide refuge for them. If you choose to use bait, do so with caution as most baits can be toxic to pets and other wildlife.
Sap-sucking insects: Infestations of aphids and whitefly can detrimentally affect your plants. Female aphids can give birth to live young without the need to mate, and colonies multiply very rapidly when conditions are favourable. Adult whiteflies are usually only seen when they are disturbed and fly up in a cloud. Try physically removing these pests by squirting with a garden hose, or use a homemade pyrethrum spray or eco oil.
Product code: SS_FLO_ARID_SPR_2024
Contains
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1 x Californian Poppy- Purple Gleam (Eschscholzia californica)
Annual growing to 40cm. Plants have fine grey/green fern-like foliage and produce single rose-purple blooms fading to a cream centre. Flowers age to rose pink and close in dull weather. Very good as a cut flower, in beds, borders and rock gardens. Creates a stunning display in a cottage garden or as a naturalised meadow planting. Can be grown in poor soil. Drought tolerant.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 40cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Aster- Tall China Mix (Callistephus chinensis)
Annual growing to 70cm. Fast growing plants that bloom early in the season with flowers in a mix of colours including violet, pink, magenta and white surrounding a yellow disc. Very productive cut flower. Great for adding colour to the garden; attracts bees and butterflies. Suitable for beds, borders and containers; heat and drought tolerant once established.
Life Cycle: Half hardy Annual
Plant Height: 70cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Coreopsis- Dwarf Radiata Mix (Coreopsis tinctoria)
An annual to 40cm tall, with narrow mid-green leaves and a mix of gold and red daisy-like flowers with solid red centres in spring through summer and into autumn. Very tough and drought tolerant once established. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and make good cut flowers. Flowers have also been used as a dye plant. Use in borders, rockeries or containers. Also known as 'Golden Tickseed' or 'Plains Coreopsis'.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 40cm
Position: Full or part sun, well drained soil -
1 x Calendula- Pink Surprise (Calendula officinalis)
Annual to 40cm with bright green foliage and large double pinky-orange peach coloured flowers. Prolific Bloomer. Also known as "Pot Marigold". Popular in herbal medicine. Good for beds, borders, containers and as a cut flower. Great for attracting beneficial pollinators. Easy to grow.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 40cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist soil -
1 x Yarrow- Cloth of Gold (Achillea filipendulina)
Perennial growing to 150cm tall. Erect plants with attractive light green fern-like leaves that produce tall stems with large dense clusters of small flowers in a rich yellow colour. Flower heads are up to 15cm wide. Great for borders and cottage gardens. Makes an excellent dried or cut flower. Drought tolerant and great for butterflies. Also known as "Fernleaf Yarrow" or "Gold Plate Yarrow".
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 150cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Pincushion Flower- Lavender Blue (Scabiosa atropurpurea )
Short lived perennial to 90cm. Serrated mid-green leaves on a compact plant producing tall wiry stems with large solitary flower heads in lavender to pale blue. Great for cut flowers, cottage gardens, borders and beds. Low maintenance and drought tolerant once established. Great for attracting bees, butterflies and beneficial insects to the garden. Has a history of medicinal uses, was once used to treat scabies. Also known as "Sweet Scabious", "Pincushions", "Mournful Widow" and "Scabieuse".
Life Cycle: Frost Hardy Perennial (short lived)
Plant Height: 90cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Chrysanthemum- May Queen (Leucanthemum vulgare)
A robust herbacious perennial growing to 80cm. Forms a spreading mound of dark green, narrow toothed leaves with long stems of medium sized flowers with pure white petals and a prominent yellow disc. Use in cottage gardens, borders, beds and containers. A long lasting cut flower. Attracts beneficial insects including butterflies.
Also known as 'Ox-eyed Daisy' or 'Marguerite'.
Life Cycle: Half hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 80cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Carnation- Raspberry Ripple (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Perennial growing to 60cm with grass-like silver grey leaves and tall stems bearing multiple flowers per stem. The double flowers are white marked with a variety of rich raspberry coloured stripes and petal edges. Flowers have a clove-like fragrance. Excellent in borders, cottage gardens and as a cut flower.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Marigold, French- Mr Majestic Double (Tagetes patula)
Annual marigold growing to 40cm with fully double bicoloured daisy flowers with alternating bright yellow and deep red petals growing on a compact bushy plant. Flowers from mid-summer to mid-autumn.
Excellent in containers and small spaces or for bedding and borders. A good companion plant in the vegetable garden. Fast and easy to grow.
Life Cycle: Half Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 40cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Nasturtium- Salmon Baby (Tropaeolum majus)
Annual to 30cm. Compact non-trailing dwarf variety with green leaves and semi-double salmon coloured flowers. Good for beds, borders, mass planting, rockeries, terraces, containers, pots and hanging baskets. Easy to grow. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soil.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height: 30cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil
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Shipping
We deliver Australia wide.
All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in Knoxfield, Victoria, Australia.
We do not deliver overseas.
Shipping cost is calculated using all the items in your shopping cart and your delivery postcode. The table below outlines the delivery options and costs.
Order dispatch time is currently 4-6 business days plus delivery time.
Please note we are unable to guarantee specific delivery dates or delivery timeframes, all delivery times are estimates only.
| Order contains: | Delivery options: | Delivery cost per order | |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD, TAS, SA, NT | WA | ||
| Small seed packets ONLY - | Economy Delivery | $3.00 or FREE on orders over $25 | $5 |
| Parcel Delivery | Capped rate of $8.99 | ||
| Express Delivery | $15.00 | ||
|
BULK seed, garden supplies, tools, or accessories - |
Parcel Delivery |
Capped rate of $8.99 |
|
|
Express Delivery |
Starting from $15.00 (Calculated by weight) |
||
| Live Plants - | Live plants | Capped rate of $10.00 | |
*All orders sent to Western Australia are subject to mandatory inspection and fees by Quarantine WA. These fees are included in all shipping costs above.
**We will replace all orders that are lost or damaged in transit however we will not replace or refund orders simply because they were delivered later than estimated. Full details here.
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