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, Cool Climate, Winter 2025
Description
Seed Subscription: Flower, Cool Climate, Winter 2025
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:
Gypsophila- Repens Rose
Perennial growing to 15cm. Has a creeping habit making it ideal for rockeries, beds and borders. Attractive rose coloured flowers; can be used in flower arrangements.
Sow direct, 6mm. Germination 10-15 days @ 20-22°C.Perennial. Height 15cm, Spacing 30cm. 70-80 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Gilia- Queen Anne's Thimble
A native of California, Queen Anne's Thimble is a dainty wildflower with blue globe-shaped flowers and feathery foliage. Blooming in spring and early summer, it's perfect for cottage or wildflower gardens, attracting bees and butterflies.
Raise seedlings or sow direct, 1mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 18-21°C.Annual. Height 40cm, Spacing 20cm. .
Best months in Cool Climates: (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Alyssum- Royal Carpet
Annual growing to 12cm. Low growing plant that produces masses of small fragrant violet flowers. Ideal for carpeting. Good for beds, rockeries, paths and edging. Also known as "Sweet Alice".
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 2mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 18-22°C.Annual. Height 12cm, Spacing 20cm. 60 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Armeria- Splendens
Compact perennial with dark green leaves and deep pink to magenta flowers. Grows to 10cm, flowers on 20cm stems in late spring/summer. Suitable for coastal conditions, poor soil, rockeries, borders, containers. Low-maintenance groundcover.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 0mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 21-24°C.Perennial. Height 20cm, Spacing 20cm. 100 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: MAR APR MAY SEP OCT NOV (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
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Tussock Bellflower- Blue
Perennial up to 25cm. Clump-forming with green ovate leaves, small violet/blue bell-like flowers. Ideal for edges, borders, rockeries, ground cover, or containers. Also known as Carpathian Bellflower or Harebell.
Raise seedlings or sow direct, 3mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 18-22°C.Perennial. Height 25cm, Spacing 30cm. 160 days (in cooler climates plants may not flower in the first year).
Best months in Cool Climates: MAR APR MAY SEP OCT NOV (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Everlasting Daisy- Tom Thumb Mix
Australian dwarf perennial daisy, max 40cm. Features large flowers with golden centre's, papery petals in various colours. Ideal for native gardens, containers, borders, coastal areas, rockeries. Low maintenance, drought and poor soil tolerant.
Raise seedlings or sow direct, 1mm . Germination 7-14 days @ 18-21°C.Perennial (short lived). Height 40cm, Spacing 55cm. 80 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Golden Marguerite- Kelawayi
Perennial plant, 50cm tall with green lacy foliage, yellow daisy-like flowers. Ideal for garden borders, cut flowers. Attracts bees, drought tolerant. Flowers used for traditional fabric dye.
Raise seedlings, 2mm. Germination 14-28 days @ 18-21°C.Perennial. Height 50cm, Spacing 35cm. 60-80 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: AUG SEP OCT NOV (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Cornflower- Classic Magic
Annual up to 100cm. Mix of single, semi-double flowers in shades from light mauve to nearly black, often bicoloured. Suitable for borders, meadow planting, pollinator gardens, and as cut flowers. Edible, drought and frost tolerant, grows in poor soil.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 5mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 15-18 °C.Annual. Height 100cm, Spacing 20cm. 70 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: MAR APR MAY SEP OCT NOV (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Carnation- Lemon Fizz
Perennial growing to 60cm with grassy grey green leaves and tall stems of double, creamy yellow flowers. The fragrant flowers are clove scented. Suited to growing as a cut flower, in large containers, or in beds and borders in cottage gardens.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 18-22°C.Perennial. Height 60cm, Spacing 35cm. 180-200 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY AUG SEP OCT (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Ranunculus- Elegance Salmone 06
A perennial growing to 40cm with large, fully double salmon pink to apricot coloured flowers that bloom in late winter or spring. Flowers bloom on strong stems with multiple stems per plant. Suited to cut flower production or growing in beds and borders.
Raise seedlings, 2mm. Germination 10-15 days @ 18-20°C.Perennial. Height 40cm, Spacing 20cm. 120-180 days.
Best months in Cool Climates: FEB MAR APR (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Tips for gardening in winter:
Weeding and tidying: Rain helps weed seeds germinate and it is easier to remove them when the soil is damp. Be sure to remove weeds before they get a chance to mature and set seed, and ensure you get the weeds out roots and all. Hand tools are useful for small areas and hoes or tillers make the job go faster in larger gardens. Rake up fallen leaves so they dont form a compact layer which can stop water reaching the soil. Add these extra leaves to your compost heap. Clear out any dead or diseased plants and to prevent the spread of disease, place this plant material in the bin rather than the compost bin.
Pruning: Check your tools and get them ready for winter pruning. Cleaning and sharpening your secateurs and pruning saws makes the job much easier, and a clean cut means there is less chance for disease to enter ragged wounds. It is easier to prune deciduous trees and shrubs in winter because you can see the structure of the plant more clearly. Remove any dead wood, and take out crossing branches or stems that might rub against each other.
Protect your plants from frost: If you live in a frost-prone area, protect your plants by covering them with frost cloth or hessian sacking. Remove this cover during the day to allow the sun to get to your plants and to help warm up the soil. Remember to cover them up again at night. Sheltering plants from cold winds also helps. You can build a temporary screen or windbreak, or plant close to a wall where plants will also benefit from the retained warmth at night.
Plot and plan: Use the down time in winter to review your garden and think about what youd like to plant in the coming seasons. If youre growing annuals, do you want to plant the same again or try some new varieties or colour schemes? If youre growing veggies, remember that rotating your crops is a good idea to break the cycle or build-up of any pests and diseases that may be in the soil. This has the added benefit of reducing, or even eliminating, the need to spray with chemicals.
Start Seeds Early for Spring
Many of the seeds in this order are not suitable for winter planting, they have been included to help you get a headstart on spring.
Most seeds struggle to germinate reliably in the middle of winter. Many varieties are best started indoors and transplanted outdoors once the weather warms up. Sow your seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last expected frost. Ensure they are placed in a warm location with plenty of natural light for optimal growth.
Product code: SS_FLOW_COOL_WIN_2025
Contains
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1 x Gypsophila- Repens Rose (Gypsophila repens)
Perennial growing to 15cm. Has a creeping habit making it ideal for rockeries, beds and borders. Attractive rose coloured flowers; can be used in flower arrangements.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 15cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Gilia- Queen Anne's Thimble (Gilia leptantha)
A dainty annual wildflower to 40cm. A native of California, Queen Anne's Thimble is prized for its clear blue globe-shaped flowers and delicate feathery foliage. Started in late winter, the plants are covered in blooms in spring and early summer. Use at the front of borders in cottage or wildflower gardens to attract bees and butterflies. Also known as Globe Gilia.
Life Cycle: Frost Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 40cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Alyssum- Royal Carpet (Lobularia maritima)
Annual growing to 12cm. Low growing plant that produces masses of small fragrant violet flowers. Ideal for carpeting. Good for beds, rockeries, paths and edging. Also known as "Sweet Alice".
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 12cm
Position: Full or part sun, well drained soil -
1 x Armeria- Splendens (Armeria maritima)
A compact perennial with a clump of strappy dark green leaves growing to 10cm and deep pink to magenta flowers held on 20cm tall stems in late spring and summer. Armerias are tough Mediterranean plants that are suitable for coastal conditions and poor soil. They are a good choice for rockeries, borders and containers. Can be grown as a low-maintenance groundcover. Deadhead flowers to encourage repeat flowering. Also known as 'Thrift' or 'Sea Thrift'.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 20cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Tussock Bellflower- Blue (Campanula carpatica)
Perennial growing to 25cm. Plants have a clump forming habit with green ovate leaves producing small violet/blue bell-like flowers. Good for edges, border. rockeries and as a ground cover. Can be grown in containers. Also known a. Carpathian Bellflower, Carpathian Harebell and American Harebell.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 25cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Everlasting Daisy- Tom Thumb Mix (Xerochrysum bracteatum)
Dwarf short lived perennial to 40cm. Australian native daisy with large flowers featuring golden orange centres and papery textured petals in a mixture of colours which includes shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and white. Great for native gardens, container plantings, garden beds, borders, coastal areas and rockeries. Low maintenance, tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought. Makes a fantastic cut or dried flower lasting indefinitely. Flowers over a long period from spring through to autumn. Great for attracting native bees and hoverflies. Also known as "Paper daisy"or "Strawflower".
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial (short lived)
Plant Height: 40cm
Position: Full sun -
1 x Golden Marguerite- Kelawayi (Anthemis tinctoria)
Flowering perennial growing to 50cm in height. Plants are clump forming with green lacy foliage and bright yellow, long stemmed, daisy-like flowers. Very attractive; good for garden borders and as a cut flower. Attracts bees. Drought tolerant. Flowers can be used to make a dye that was traditionally used to colour fabrics.
Also known as Dyers Chamomile, Oxeye chamomile, Yellow Chamomile, Golden Chamomile, Dye Plant and Boston Daisy.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 50cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Cornflower- Classic Magic (Centaurea cyanus)
Annual to 100cm. A blend of single and semi-double flowers in colours from light mauve to nearly black. The flowers are often bicoloured with lighter coloured outer petals and a dark centre, or dark maroon with white-tipped petals. Suited to borders, meadow planting, pollinator gardens and as fresh or dried cut flowers. The flowers are also edible. Drought and frost tolerant, will grow in poor soil conditions. A Fleuroselect novelty winner.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 100cm
Position: Full sun, well drained moist soil -
1 x Carnation- Lemon Fizz (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Perennial growing to 60cm with grassy grey green leaves and tall stems of double, creamy yellow flowers. The fragrant flowers are clove scented. Suited to growing as a cut flower, in large containers, or in beds and borders in cottage gardens.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Ranunculus- Elegance Salmone 06 (Ranunculus asiaticus)
A perennial growing to 40cm with fully double salmon pink to apricot coloured flowers that bloom in late winter or spring. Suited to cut flower production or to growing in beds and borders.
Elegance Italian ranunculus have large, fully double flowers packed with petals, blooming on strong 40cm tall stems. Mature plants bloom over a 6 week period, producing 4 to 12 flowers per plant in the first season, and up to 20 per plant in following years. Elegance ranunculus bloom in a range of colours from soft pastels through to bold reds, oranges and yellows.
Seed-grown plants produce corms that can be lifted and replanted the following season. Best suited to temperate and cool climates.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 40cm
Position: Full or part 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 3 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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