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: Vegetable, Sub-Tropical Climate, Summer 2024
Description
Seed Subscription: Vegetable, Sub-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:
Silverbeet- Golden Sunrise
A biennial usually grown annually, reaching 60cm. Features golden yellow stalks, veins, midribs, and shiny green leaves. Thick, tender stalks. Highly productive; suitable for baby leaves or as an ornamental. Also known as "Swiss Chard".
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 15mm. Germination 5-10 days @ 10-30°C.Biennial. Rows 50cm, Spacing 30cm. 60 days (30 days for baby leaves).
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)
Cauliflower- Purple Sicily
Large purple flower heads to 1.2kg. Purple cauliflowers are easier to grow than white varieties. Colour fades when cooked. 190 days to maturity.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 5mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 10-30°C.Biennial (usually grown as an annual). Rows 75cm, Spacing 50cm. 190 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Garland- Serrate Leaf
Annual plant growing to 80cm. Has dark green serrated leaves, edible raw or cooked. Strong flavour, ideal for soups and stir-fries. Fast growth, heavy production. Also known as "Chop Suey Greens" or "Shungiku".
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 6mm. Germination 7-10 days @ 15-22°C.Annual. Height 80cm, Spacing 40cm. 30-50 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)
Pumpkin- Baby Boo
Miniature pumpkin produces creamy white fruit (5-7cm). Vines grow up to 3m, yielding up to 10 fruits each. Ideal for autumn decor or Halloween 'ghost pumpkins'. Skin matures from creamy white to pale yellow.
Sow direct, 20mm. Germination 8-12 days @ 21-35°C.Annual. Rows 200cm, Spacing 100cm. 90-100 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
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Leek- Carentan
Giant French heirloom leek variety with short thick stems up to 5cm and long dark green leaves. Tender with mild flavour. Fast growing. Good for stews, soups, quiche, stir-fries and steamed.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 5mm. Germination 10-14 days @ 18-23°C.Biennial (usually grown as an annual). Rows 45cm, Spacing 12cm. 100 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Onion- Gladalan Brown
Popular variety that produces medium to large brown onions. Early to mid maturing variety. Mild flavour; ideal for cooking. Keeps well. Can be grown in most parts of Australia. Good variety to grow as a spring onion.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 5mm. Germination 7-10 days @ 20-25°C.Biennial (usually grown as an annual). Rows 40cm, Spacing 10cm. 130 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: FEB MAR APR MAY JUN (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Watermelon- Moon and Stars
Summer vine fruit, grows up to 9kg. Dark green skin with yellow specks, resembling a starry night sky. Sweet red flesh. Leaves also speckled yellow. Heirloom variety from 1920's, nearly extinct, reintroduced in 1990's.
Sow direct, 20mm. Germination 10-14 days @ 27-32°C.Annual. Rows 125cm, Spacing 75cm. 100 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Lettuce- Cimmaron
Heirloom cos style lettuce with bronze foliage. Producing long crunchy leaves up to 30cm. Slow bolting. Excellent variety for warm and humid climates. Can be planted all year round.
Sow direct or raise seedlings, 3mm. Germination 7-14 days @ 8-23°C.Annual. Rows 50cm, Height 30cm, Spacing 30cm. 60 days.
Best months in Sub-Tropical Climates: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY (Click for full sowing chart, grow guide and more)
Radish- Rido Red F1
A watermelon type radish with 5cm to 10cm wide round to egg-shaped roots with cream skin and vibrant pink to purple flesh. The colour in the root starts in the centre and spreads outwards as the root develops. The flavour is sweet with some peppery heat.
Sow direct, 10mm. Germination 3-14 days @ 8-30°C.Annual. Rows 30cm, Spacing 12cm. 60 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)
Bush Bean- Cherokee Wax
Dwarf (bush) bean. Tender, stringless, straight, pale yellow pods growing to 16cm. Fast growing. Seeds turn black when mature.
Sow direct, 20mm. Germination 6-10 days @ 16-30°C.Annual. Rows 50cm, Spacing 10cm. 55-60 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)
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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_VEG_SUBT_SUM_2024
Contains
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1 x Silverbeet- Golden Sunrise (Beta vulgaris)
Biennial normally grown as an annual, growing to 60cm. Golden yellow stalks, veins and midribs, shiny green crumpled leaves. Stalks are thick and tender. Very productive variety; good for baby leaves. Can also be grown as an ornamental in a mixed border or garden bed. Silver beet is also known as "Swiss Chard" and is often confused with "Spinach".
Life Cycle: Hardy Biennial
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Cauliflower- Purple Sicily (Brassica oleracea botrytis)
Large purple flower heads to 1.2kg. Purple cauliflowers are easier to grow than white varieties. Colour fades when cooked. 190 days to maturity.
Life Cycle: Hardy Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, moist soil -
1 x Garland- Serrate Leaf (Glebionis coronaria)
Annual growing to 80cm. Upright bushy habit with yellow and white daisy flowers and dark green serrated leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. Plants are suited to growing in containers, garden beds or for cut flowers. Strong flavour that is good in soups and stir-fry's. Fast growing and heavy producing. Also known as "Chop Suey Greens" and "Shungiku". Serrated-leaf varieties have a stronger flavour than round-leaf varieties.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 80cm
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Pumpkin- Baby Boo (Cucurbita pepo)
A miniature pumpkin producing creamy white fruit measuring 5-7cm across. Vines grow up to 3m and produce up to 10 fruit each. The fruit make great autumn table decorations or 'ghost pumpkins' for Halloween. The skin is creamy white when harvested early, maturing to a pale yellow when fully ripe. The white flesh is edible and the fruit can be stuffed or the flesh cooked the same way as any other pumpkin.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Leek- Carentan (Allium porrum)
Giant French heirloom leek variety with short thick stems up to 5cm and long dark green leaves. Tender with mild flavour. Fast growing. Good for stews, soups, quiche, stir-fries and steamed.
Life Cycle: Hardy Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, moist soil -
1 x Onion- Gladalan Brown (Allium cepa)
Popular variety that produces medium to large brown onions. Early to mid maturing variety. Mild flavour; ideal for cooking. Keeps well. Good variety to grow as a spring onion.
A short day variety that can be grown in most parts of Australia.
Life Cycle: Hardy Biennial (usually grown as an annual)
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Watermelon- Moon and Stars (Citrullus vulgaris)
Summer vine fruit. Large fruit growing to 9kg. A very attractive and unusual fruit with dark green skin covered in small yellow specks with the occasional large yellow spot. Sweet red flesh. Named after of the skins likeness to a starry night sky. Leaves also have yellow specks. Heirloom first introduced in 1920's that almost became extinct until it was saved and reintroduced in the 1990's.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Lettuce- Cimmaron (Lactuca sativa)
Heirloom cos style lettuce with bronze foliage. Producing long crunchy leaves up to 30cm. Slow bolting. Excellent variety for warm and humid climates. Can be planted all year round.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height: 30cm
Position: Part or full sun, moist well drained soil -
1 x Radish- Rido Red F1 (Raphanus sativus)
A watermelon type radish with 5cm to 10cm wide round to egg-shaped roots with cream skin and vibrant pink to purple flesh. The colour in the root starts in the centre and spreads outwards as the root develops. The flavour is sweet with some peppery heat. Suitable to eat on their own or sliced in salads.
Life Cycle: Hardy Annual
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, well drained soil -
1 x Bush Bean- Cherokee Wax (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Dwarf (bush) bean. Tender, stringless, straight, pale yellow pods growing to 16cm. Fast growing. Seeds turn black when mature.
Life Cycle: Frost tender Annual
Plant Height:
Position: Full sun, 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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