This page contains all the information you need to know to understand our sowing information. The information on this page is of a general nature and does not take into account particular varieties, climates or situations. For information on a particular variety please view the product description of that particular seed variety.
Below are explanations of the terms and symbols we use on our seed packets and throughout our website. Please note a simplified copy of this information is also sent out with all orders.
Seed sowing tips:
It is important to use a sowing method that suits the plant you are growing. If you use an incorrect method you may have poor results or your seeds may fail to germinate. Our seed packets will tell you the recommended sowing method(s).
Sow direct: This means that the seeds are best sown directly into the garden. Seeds normally produce fast growing and strong seedlings. Young seedlings may still need some protection from harsh weather and pests.
Raise seedlings: This means seeds are best started off in trays or other containers and then transplanted to their final position once they are established. These seeds normally produce slower growing and weaker seedlings that need more care and protection from weather and pests. Seedlings can normally be transplanted to their final position once they are large enough to handle (around 5-10cm tall).
To get the most out of your plants make sure you give them the conditions they do best in. Sunlight and soil type are the most important factors here:
Full sun: Plant likes 6 hours of sun or more a day
Part Sun: Plant likes 3 – 6 hours of sun a day
Shade: Plant likes less than 3 hours of sun a day
Well drained soil: Soil should have excellent drainage and not pool or become waterlogged after watering.
Moist soil: Soil should retain moisture well without being too wet.
Always consider the life cycle of a plant before choosing a position. eg: You may want to plant perennial vegetables together in a different part of the garden, so they are not disturbed when soil is cultivated at the start of every season.
Annual: Plant completes its life cycle within 1 year (then dies)
Biennial: Plant completes its life cycle in 2 years (then dies)
Perennial: Plant has a life cycle of more than 2 years
↓ Sowing depth: This is the recommend sowing depth.
≡ Rows: This is the recommended row spacing
↔ Plant spacing: This is the recommended plant spacing (Also gives an idea of plant width)
↕ Plant height: This is the approximate plant height
This is simply the number of days until the plant reaches the purpose for which it’s normally grown (ie: the time it takes for the plant to fruit or flower or until the leaves are ready to be picked, etc.)
Frost tender: Plants will be injured or killed by frost and cold weather. Plants will probably not survive winter.
Half hardy: Plants can tolerate some frost and cold weather but will probably still not survive a full winter.
Hardy: Plants have the ability to survive frost and cold weather. Plants should survive winter. *Note: Some plants may become dormant or grow very slowly during cold weather. Some young plants are still sensitive to cold weather until they are established.
It is important that seeds are sown at the appropriate time of the year. All varieties are different; some prefer hot weather, some prefer cold weather, some like intense sun, and some like frost.
AUSTRALIAN SEASONS: | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mid Summer | Late Summer | Early Autumn | Mid Autumn | Late Autumn | Early Winter | Mid Winter | Late Winter | Early Spring | Mid Spring | Late Spring | Early Summer |
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
The table above shows the Australian seasons by month.
The recommended season to sow each of our seed varieties is available in the product descriptions on this website and is also printed on our seed packets for sowing times more specific to your climate we recommend you use our sowing chart:
Sowing Chart: Our sowing chart gives an overview of the approximate sowing times for common vegetables, herbs and flowers throughout the Australian Climates. Download our sowing chart here.
Make sure you know your climate.
Tropical
Arid
Subtropical
Temperate
Cool
To avoid any unnecessary loss in quality store your seeds in a dark, dry, cool location. A cupboard or a drawer is normally sufficient for short term storage (ie: 6 months).
If you intend to store your seeds for a longer period we recommend you store them in your fridge, this will dramatically increase the life of your seeds. Seeds should be put in an airtight container/jar together with some desiccant/silica gel (if unavailable an envelope filled with powdered milk or rice is a good alternative). Make sure not to freeze your seeds, if done incorrectly freezing can kill seeds instantly.
When removing your seeds from the fridge allow the container to come to room temperature before opening, this avoids condensation.