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, Sub-Tropical Climate, Summer 2025
Description
Seed Subscription: Flower, Sub-Tropical Climate, Summer 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:
Impatiens- Camellia Flowered Mix (Balsam)
Annual growing to 45cm. Fleshy green foliage. Large double flowers in a range of colours including violet, scarlet, rose, salmon and white. Grows well in shady positions. Can be grown in containers. Impatiens balsamina is also known as Balsam.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 22-26°C.Annual. Height 45cm, Spacing 40cm. 85 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (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 Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Linaria- Fairy Bouquet Mixed
Annual. Dwarf variety growing to 30cm. Small dainty flowers in a range of colour including yellow, rose, salmon, orange, and cream. Good for edging, beds, rockeries and as a cut flower.
Sow direct, 5mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 20-30°C.Annual. Height 30cm, Spacing 15cm. 70 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY JUN (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Lobelia- String of Pearls
A perennial, typically grown annually, reaching 15cm high with a cascading habit. Pink, white, blue flowers bloom above dark green leaves in summer-autumn. Ideal for pots or as groundcover over retaining walls.
Raise seedlings, 0mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 21-24°C.Perennial (usually grown as an annual). Height 15cm, Spacing 20cm. 90 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
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Salvia- Blaze of Fire
Perennial often grown annually. Upright, bushy plants with oval, hairy, green leaves. Produces spikes of bright red flowers. Ideal for garden beds, borders, mass planting, and containers. Also known as "Scarlet Sage", "Red Salvia", "Fireball".
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 4mm. Germination 12-15 days @ 22-24°C.Perennial (usually grown as an annual). Height 30cm, Spacing 30cm. 75 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Cornflower- Blue Boy
A 40-90cm tall annual plant with grey/green leaves and traditional cornflower blue flowers. Ideal for cottage and wildflower gardens, beds, borders, and containers. Easy to grow, drought and frost tolerant, and thrives in poor soil.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 5mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 15-18 °C.Annual. Height 90cm, Spacing 20cm. 70 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Viola- Bambini Mix
Compact perennial growing to 15cm. Medium green foliage with large rounded flowers in a mixture of colours. Long flowering hardy plant. Good for beds, pots, containers and hanging baskets. Also considered a form of garden pansy.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 4-7 days @ 17-21°C.Perennial (short lived). Height 15cm, Spacing 20cm. 110 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Aster- Hulk
Bushy annual, 60cm high with unique cream to yellow flowers resembling 'fried eggs'. Ideal for commercial cut flower growers, blooming from late spring to autumn. Suitable for beds, borders, and containers. Easy to grow. Also known as 'China Aster'.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 10-15 days @ 20-22°C.Annual. Height 60cm, Spacing 30cm. 110 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Poppy- Mother of Pearl
Annual plants up to 60cm with deeply divided leaves and tall, single flower stems. Flowers in shades of grey, lilac, mauve, pink, orange, and white, some with contrasting flecks or edges. Seed pods are decorative.
Sow direct, 3mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 16-24°C.Annual. Height 60cm, Spacing 30cm. 140 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY JUN (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Marigold, African- Savannah Sun
A 90cm annual plant with finely divided dark green leaves and double orange flowers. Ideal for cut flowers due to tall plants and long stems. Suitable for back of borders and large containers. Fast growth and long flowering.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 5mm. Germination 4-7 days @ 24-28°C.Annual. Height 90cm, Spacing 30cm. 65-85 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Tips for gardening in summer:
- Watering: Learn when to water by using your index finger to check soil moisture. Scratch back a little of the surface soil and use your finger to see if soil is moist about 5cm below the surface; if it’s on the dry side, it’s time to water.
- Pinch for More Flowers: Pinch the main stems of flowering plants to encourage strong growth, a bushier habit and more flowers. Once plants are 20-40cm tall and have several sets of leaves, use sharp, clean snips or secateurs to cut off the top 10cm or so of the main stem of the plant, making the cut just above a set of leaves. Flowers including aster, zinnia, chrysanthemum, calendula, marigold and dahlia will all benefit from pinching.
- Crop protection: As fruit and veggies develop they may need protection from burrowing insects, fruit fly, birds, possums or bats. Berries, fruit trees and soft fruit like tomatoes are especially at risk. Use insect exclusion netting, bird netting or fruit protection bags to protect crops. Ensure your netting is pegged or tied securely at the bottom to stop pests getting in.
- Provide shade for sensitive plants: Use shade cloth or even old sheets to protect delicate seedlings and leafy greens from the harsh summer sun, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Pests and diseases to look out for in summer:
- Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that congregate on the new shoots or the underside of leaves. They can cause leaves to wilt or become discoloured, and also excrete honeydew which can attract ants and other insect pests. To manage aphids, remove them by spraying with a garden hose, apply a soap or alcohol spray, or encourage predatory insects to your garden.
- Whitefly: A sap-sucking insect related to aphids, whitefly are found in large numbers on the underside of leaves, and will swarm in clouds when disturbed. Plants may have yellowing leaves or may wilt, and growth will be slowed. Whitefly can be removed with a garden hose or sprayed with soap spray. Badly affected plants should be destroyed.
- Slugs and snails: These slimy pests love the humidity of summer nights and can decimate seedlings and tender young plants. They leave tell-tale silvery trails and irregular holes in leaves. To control them, try hand-picking them at night (with a torch) and disposing of them, creating barriers crushed eggshells around vulnerable plants, or using beer traps.
- Fungal diseases: The combination of warm temperatures and summer humidity can form the perfect conditions for fungal diseases to spread. Water plants in the morning at ground level, avoiding wetting foliage wherever possible. Prune off affected foliage, space plants to allow more airflow, and treat fungal outbreaks with homemade or purchased sprays.
Product code: SS_FLO_SUBT_SUM_2025
Contains
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1 x Impatiens- Camellia Flowered Mix (Balsam) (Impatiens balsamina)
Annual growing to 45cm. Fleshy green foliage. Large double flowers in a range of colours including violet, scarlet, rose, salmon and white. Grows well in shady positions. Can be grown in containers. Impatiens balsamina is also known as Balsam.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height: 45cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist 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 Linaria- Fairy Bouquet Mixed (Linaria maroccana)
Annual. Dwarf variety growing to 30cm. Small dainty flowers in a range of colour including yellow, rose, salmon, orange, and cream. Good for edging, beds, rockeries and as a cut flower.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 30cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Lobelia- String of Pearls (Lobelia erinus)
A perennial usually grown as an annual that grows to 15cm high with a cascading habit. Masses of pink, white and blue flowers are held above dark green foliage in summer through to autumn. A good choice for pots or as a groundcover spilling over a retaining wall.
Life Cycle: Half hardy Perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Plant Height: 15cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Salvia- Blaze of Fire (Salvia splendens)
Perennial but often grown as an annual. Upright bushy plants with oval pointed, hairy, green leaves that produce spikes of tubular bright red flowers. Good for garden beds, borders and mass planting. Can be grown in containers. Also known as "Scarlet Sage", "Red Salvia" and "Fireball".
Life Cycle: Half hardy Perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Plant Height: 30cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Cornflower- Blue Boy (Centaurea cyanus)
Annual growing between 40-90cm tall. Plants have an upright habit with long grey/green leaves and produce tall traditional cornflower blue flowers. Good for cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, beds and borders. Excellent vibrant blue colour and very easy to grow. Makes an excellent cut flower or dried flower; colour doesn't fade. Attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. Has a history of medicinal uses and petals are often used to add colour to salads or dried in tea blends. Can be grown in containers. Drought and frost tolerant, will grown in poor soil conditions. Also known as Bachelors Button.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 90cm
Position: Full sun, well drained moist soil -
1 x Viola- Bambini Mix (Viola cornuta)
Compact perennial growing to 15cm. Medium green foliage with large rounded flowers in a mixture of colours. Long flowering hardy plant. Good for beds, pots, containers and hanging baskets. Also considered a form of garden pansy.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial (short lived)
Plant Height: 15cm
Position: Full or part sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Aster- Hulk (Callistephus chinensis)
Upright, multi-stemmed bushy annual 60cm high. Weird and wonderful flowers with large cream to yellow daisy centres with minimal outer petals. A green ruff of leaflets surrounds the flowers to give them a 'fried egg' appearance.
Developed for commercial cut flower growers, the flowers bloom on sturdy long stems from late spring to autumn. Also suited to beds, borders and containers. Easy to grow. Also known as 'China Aster'.
Life Cycle: Half hardy Annual
Plant Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Poppy- Mother of Pearl (Papaver rhoeas)
Annual to 60cm. Plants have a rosette of deeply divided leaves with tall, single flower stems. Flowers are a mix of subtle, antique shades of grey, lilac, mauve, pink, soft orange and white, some flowers with flecks or picotee edges in contrasting colours. The seed pods are also decorative.
First selected by Welsh painter and gardener Sir Cedric Morris. Ideal for mass planting in drifts, bedding, borders and as a short-lived cut flower. Attractive to bees.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Marigold, African- Savannah Sun (Tagetes erecta)
Annual growing to 90cm with finely divided dark green leaves and fully double brilliant orange flowers. Tall plants with long stems make this variety suitable for cut flowers. Good for the back of borders and large containers. Fast growing and long flowering.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height: 90cm
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 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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