Knowing the right time to sow your seeds is crucial to a successful garden. In Australia, the right time to sow changes dramatically depending on which part of the country you live - we have so many different climates! The first step in looking up seed lists is always to know which climate you live in.
Australian Climates
The map below from The Seed Collection roughly shows the four main climates we have in Australia: red for tropical, orange for warm, green for moderate, and blue for cool.
For more information, The Seed Collection have a great vegetable seed sowing chart that includes all four Australian climate regions. If you do look at other seed lists online, remember that different organisations use different names for the climates so make sure to double check!
Indigenous Seasons Knowledge and Use
Growing to your local indigenous seasons further refines your seed sowing times and plant selection. Perth and the South West are currently at the start of the two months duration (Dec and Jan) of the Noongar season Birak.
Birak is referred to as the first summer and the season of the young due to the offspring of various animals venturing out for the first time on their own or staying close to their Mums.
This season sees the rains ease up and the warm weather really start to take hold. Morning winds come from the east and the afternoons are cooled by sea breezes from the southwest.
Positioning plants and garden spaces to seasonal weather knowledge is beneficial to the plants and people. 😊
Click on this link for other Indigenous weather knowledge around the country:
https://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Environment/Land-management/Indigenous/Indigenous-calendars
Below is a list of some common veggies that are great to sow now in a moderate Australian climate (like here in Perth).
Seeds to Sow Now (In Perth like Climates)
Plant |
How to Sow |
Germination Time |
Time Until Harvest |
Other Tips |
|
Amaranth |
Sow directly into garden bed Sept-Mar |
8-10 days |
26 weeks |
Grow in fertile, well drained soil |
|
Beans |
Sow directly into the garden or into biodegradable pots Aug-Feb. Needs warm soil |
7-13 days |
8-12 weeks |
Plant near celery or cucumber |
|
Beetroot |
Sow directly into the garden or in seedling flats at any time |
7-14 days |
10-12 weeks |
Plant near lettuce but away from beans |
| Broccoli | Sow directly into the garden or in seedling flats Dec-May | 6-10 days | 12-16 weeks | |
| Brussels Sprout | Sow directly into the garden or in seedling flats Dec-Mar | 6-10 days | 14-28 weeks | |
|
Burdock |
Sow directly into garden Sept-Apr |
4-7 days |
17-18 weeks |
Cook young leaves like spinach and harvest root when young |
|
Carrot |
Sow directly into the garden Aug-May and only lightly sprinkle with soil as they need light to germinate |
14-21 days |
12-16 weeks |
Water seedlings well |
| Cauliflower | Sow directly into the garden or in seedling flats Dec-Mar | 6-10 days | 14-26 weeks | |
|
Celery |
Best sown in a seedling flat and then transplant into garden |
10-21 days |
12-18 weeks |
Plant near dill but away from beans and tomatoes |
|
Chillies |
Sow in a seedling flat or tray and plant out in 6 weeks |
7-14 days |
2-5 months |
Semi-perennial plants |
|
Corn |
Sow directly into garden bed 20-30cm apart to enhance pollination |
6-10 days |
11-14 weeks |
Grow with beans and pumpkin - the Three Sisters. Don't over water seeds after first water |
|
Cucumber |
Sow directly into garden or in biodegradable pots when weather gets warm, Sept-Mar. Cover with soil |
5-10 days |
8-12 weeks |
Increase watering when fruiting. Beware of mould if overwatered or high levels of humidity |
| Eggplant | Sow directly into the garden or in seedling flats Aug-Dec | 10-14 days | 14-16 weeks | |
|
Jerusalem Artichoke |
Sow directly into garden bed |
5-10 days |
15-20 weeks |
Produces many tubers, easy to grow and can handle many soil types |
|
Lettuce |
Sow into seedling flats all year round |
4-14 days |
6-12 weeks |
Pick Cos lettuce leaves as growing. Transplant into part shade in summer. |
|
Melons |
Sow directly into garden bed Sept-Feb |
7-14 days |
14-16 weeks |
Needs warm weather. |
|
Okra |
Sow directly into garden bed Oct to Nov and transplant into garden bed Dec to Jan |
8-13 days |
11-14 weeks |
Grow with capsicum, chilli and eggplant. Pick pods while young. Edible flowers. |
| Pumpkin & Squash | Sow directly into garden Aug-Dec | 6-10 days | 14-16 weeks | Need lots of space. Good companion with corn |
|
Tomatoes |
Sow in a seedling flat or directly into a garden bed Nov-Dec |
7-14 days |
12-20 weeks |
Plant near Basil and Marigolds for integrated pest management. Allow good airflow to reduce disease potential |
| Zucchini | Sow direct into garden beds Sept to Dec. | 5-10 days | 8-14 weeks | Avoid watering leaves as this can increase mould and reduce fruiting |
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