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.

climate map

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 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 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 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 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 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 Saving Guides

Seed saving is the practice of collecting and storing mature seeds from open-pollinated plants. By allowing plants to reach full maturity and harvesting the seeds, they can be cleaned, dried, and stored for future use.

Our seed saving guides include all the information home gardeners need to grow and save seeds for home use including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. Browse our guides below or our Seed Saving Chart here.

Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Adzuki Bean seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Amaranth seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Armenian cucumber (Cucumis melo) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Armenian cucumber seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Artichoke seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Asparagus seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Bean seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Beetroot seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Broad Bean (Vicia faba) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Broad Bean seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Broccoli seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Brussels Sprouts seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Cabbage seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Cabbage, Chinese (Brassica rapa) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Cabbage, Chinese seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Capsicum and Chilli (Capsicum annum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Capsicum seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Capsicum and Chilli (Capsicum baccatum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Capsicum seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Capsicum and Chilli (Capsicum chinense) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Capsicum seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Capsicum and Chilli (Capsicum frutescens) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Capsicum seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Capsicum and Chilli (Capsicum pubescens) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Capsicum seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Carrot (Daucus carota) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Carrot seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Cauliflower seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Celery (Apium graveolens) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Celery seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Chicory (Cichorum intybus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Chicory (Radicchio) seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Chives seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Collards (Brassica oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Collards seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Coriander (Coriandum sativum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Coriander seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Corn (Zea Mays) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Corn seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Cucumber seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Dill (Anethum graveolens) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Dill seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Eggplant seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Endive (Cichorium endivia) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Endive seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Endive (Cichorum intybus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Endive seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Fennel seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Kale (Brassica oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Kale seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Kohlrabi seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Leek (Allium ampeloprasum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Leek seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Lettuce (Lactuva sativa) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Lettuce seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Mangel Wurzel (Beta vulgaris) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Mangel Wurzel seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Mizuna (Brassica juncea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Mizuna seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Mustard Greens seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Okra (Abelmaschus esculentum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Okra seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Onion (Allium cepa) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Onion seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Orach (Atriplex hortensis) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Orach seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Ornamental gourd (Lagenaria siceria) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Ornamental gourd seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Parsley (Petroselinium crispum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Parsley seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Parsnip seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Pea (Pisum sativum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Pea seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Radish (Raphanus sativus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Radish seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Rapini (Brassica rapa) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Rapini seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Rocket (Eruca sativa) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Rocket seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Rockmelon (Cucumis melo) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Rockmelon seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Silverbeet (Beta vulgaris) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Silverbeet seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Soybean (Glycine max) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Soybean seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Spinach seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Squash, Pumpkin (Cucurbita argyrosperma) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Winter Squash seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Squash, Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Squash seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Squash, Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Pumpkin seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Squash, Pumpkin, Gourd (Cucurbita pepo) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Summer Squash seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Sunflower (Helianthus annus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Sunflower seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Swede (Brassica napus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Swede seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Tomatillo seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Tomato seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Turnip (Brassica rapa) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Turnip seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Watermelon seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Wild Rocket seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) (Seed Saving Guide)

A guide on how to save Zucchini seeds; including pollination type, isolation distance, when to harvest and best cleaning methods. View guide.