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, Tropical Climate, Summer 2024
Description
Seed Subscription: Flower, Tropical Climate, Summer 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:
Livingstone Daisy Mix
Annual growing to 10cm. Low growing plant with fleshy green leaves producing tightly packed flowers in a mix of red, pink and white shades. Good for carpeting, edging, rockeries and borders. Flowers close in dull weather.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 3mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 15-25°C.Annual. Height 10cm, Spacing 15cm. 140 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Californian Poppy- Apricot Chiffon
Annual 20cm plant with grey/green fern-like leaves and silky two-toned apricot flowers with fluted petals. Flowers fade from deep peach to light apricot. Ideal as a cut flower, in beds, borders, rock gardens. Grows in poor soil. Drought tolerant.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 3mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 16-21°C.Annual. Height 20cm, Spacing 20cm. 70 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: JAN SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Linaria- Northern Lights Mix
Annual plant growing to 60cm. Mini snapdragon-like flowers in various colours with yellow throats and long spurs. Ideal for edging, beds, rockeries, cut flowers, or meadow plantings. Also known as 'Spurred' or 'Mini Snapdragon'.
Sow direct, 5mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 20-30°C.Annual. Height 60cm, Spacing 30cm. 70 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY JUN (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Lobelia- Emperor William
Perennial grown as an annual; to 10cm. Low growing compact plant with small green leaves and small blue flowers. Good for garden beds, edges, pot plants, hanging baskets and all other containers.
Raise seedlings, 0mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 21-24°C.Perennial. Height 10cm, Spacing 10cm. 90 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
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Pansy- Clear Crystal Black
Perennial normally grown as an annual. Plants grow to 15cm and produce black flowers. Brilliant for adding colour to the garden. Good for mass plantings. Good for beds, containers, rockeries and as a pressed flower. Also known as "Clear Face Black".
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 4-7 days @ 17-21°C.Perennial (short lived). Height 20cm, Spacing 30cm. 110-130 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Celosia- Lilliput Kewpie Mix
Extra dwarf Celosia variety, growing to 20cm. Compact plants with green foliage, large flower plumes in red, yellow, scarlet, orange. Ideal for garden beds, borders, mass plantings. Excellent fresh or dried cut flower. Long flowering.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 3mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 21-27°C.Annual. Height 20cm, Spacing 20cm. 85 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Impatiens- Tom Thumb mix (Balsam)
Dwarf annual plant, Impatiens balsamina (Balsam), grows to 25cm. Features fleshy green foliage, flowers in white, violet, rose, scarlet, salmon. Thrives in shade, suitable for containers. Long flowering.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 14-21 days @ 22-26°C.Annual. Height 25cm, Spacing 35cm. 85 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Aster- Benary's Princess Blue
Annual growing to 70cm with toothed green leaves, blue-mauve flowers. Benary's Princess asters are premium seeds for professional cut flower producers. The 6-8cm wide flowers bloom in clear colours with yellow centre's.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 10-15 days @ 20-22°C.Annual. Height 70cm, Spacing 30cm. 105 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: JAN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Wallflower- Cloth of Gold
Evergreen perennial, grows to 45cm. Dark green foliage, golden yellow flower spikes in late winter/spring. Sweet fragrance. Ideal for rock gardens, beds, borders, walls, fences. Great cut flower.
Raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 10-15 days @ 18-21°C.Perennial. Height 45cm, Spacing 30cm. 180 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Zinnia- Queeny Lemon Peach
Part of the stunning 'Queeny' series of zinnias. An annual growing to 80cm with large, lemon-lime coloured flowers that fade to a soft coral. Flowers may be double or semi-double and have a deep peach pink centre. Flowers are held on strong stems.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 21-29°C.Annual. Height 80cm, Spacing 20cm. 90 days.
Best months in Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 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_TROP_SUM_2024
Contains
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1 x Livingstone Daisy Mix (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis)
Annual growing to 10cm. Low growing plant with fleshy green leaves producing tightly packed flowers in a mix of red, pink and white shades. Good for carpeting, edging, rockeries and borders. Flowers close in dull weather.
Life Cycle: Half Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 10cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Californian Poppy- Apricot Chiffon (Eschscholzia californica)
Annual growing to 20cm with grey/green fern-like foliage and silky two-toned apricot flowers with fluted or pleated margins to the petals. Flowers fade from deep peach to light apricot, and close in overcast weather. Very good as a cut flower, in beds, borders and rock gardens. Can be grown in poor soil. Drought tolerant.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 20cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Linaria- Northern Lights Mix (Linaria maroccana)
Annual growing to 60cm. Dainty flowers resembling mini snapdragons in shades of pink, yellow, red, purple and violet. Flowers have yellow throats and long, pointed spurs. Good for edging, beds, rockeries, as a cut flower or in meadow plantings. Sometimes called 'Spurred Snapdragon' or 'Mini Snapdragon'.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 60cm
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Lobelia- Emperor William (Lobelia erinus)
Perennial grown as an annual; to 10cm. Low growing compact plant with small green leaves and small blue flowers. Good for garden beds, edges, pot plants, hanging baskets and all other containers.
Life Cycle: Half hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 10cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Pansy- Clear Crystal Black (Viola wittrockiana)
Perennial normally grown as an annual. Plants grow to 15cm and produce black flowers. Brilliant for adding colour to the garden. Good for mass plantings. Good for beds, containers, rockeries and as a pressed flower. Also known as "Clear Face Black".
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial (short lived)
Plant Height: 20cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Celosia- Lilliput Kewpie Mix (Celosia argentea var. plumosa)
Annual growing to 20cm. This is an extra dwarf variety of Celosia. Plants are compact with green foliage and produce attractive large flower plumes in a mixture of colours which may include red, yellow, scarlet and orange. Great for garden beds, borders and mass plantings. Makes an excellent cut flower either fresh or dried. Long flowering. Can be grown in containers.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height: 20cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Impatiens- Tom Thumb mix (Balsam) (Impatiens balsamina)
Annual growing to 25cm. Dwarf plants with fleshy green foliage and beautiful flowers in an attractive mix of colour that may include white, violet, rose, scarlet and salmon. Grows well in shady positions. Can be grown in containers. Long flowering. Impatiens balsamina is also known as Balsam.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height: 25cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist soil -
1 x Aster- Benary's Princess Blue (Callistephus chinensis)
Annual growing to 70cm. Upright stems with toothed green leaves and blue-mauve flowers. An old fashioned garden favourite producing long lasting cut flowers.
Benary's Princess asters are premium seeds developed for professional cut flower producers. The 6-8cm wide flowers have excellent form and are held on long, strong stems. The pompom-like fully double flowers bloom in clear colours with crested yellow centres. Ideal as cut flowers they are also suited to growing in beds and borders. Tolerant of challenging growing conditions, including wet conditions. Also called 'China Aster' , 'Crown Aster' or 'Annual Aster'.
Life Cycle: Half hardy Annual
Plant Height: 70cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Wallflower- Cloth of Gold (Erysimum cheiri)
Evergreen perennial normally grown as a biennial, growing to 45cm. Dark green foliage with warm golden yellow flower spikes in late winter and spring. Sweet fragrance. Good for rock gardens, beds, borders and along walls and fences. Makes an eye-catching cut flower.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Plant Height: 45cm
Position: Full or part sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Zinnia- Queeny Lemon Peach (Zinnia elegans)
Part of the stunning 'Queeny' series of zinnias. An annual growing to 80cm with large, lemon-lime coloured flowers that fade to a soft coral. Flowers may be double or semi-double and have a deep peach pink centre. Flowers are held on strong stems.
The Queeny series produce an abundance of blooms over a long period over spring, summer and autumn. Flowers are mostly double and semi-double with a small percentage of singles. The blooms make excellent cut flowers and add long-lasting colour to the garden. Ideal for beds, borders and mass plantings. Easy to grow. Can be grown in large containers or pots. Great for attracting bees and beneficial insects to the garden.
Life Cycle: Half hardy Annual
Plant Height: 80cm
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 1-3 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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