Melbourne Vegetable Planting Calendar: What to Plant Now
Cool temperate calendar for Melbourne & Victoria. 199 plants with monthly sow windows calibrated for local conditions.
This is our Melbourne and Victoria vegetable planting calendar, covering Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and the Mornington Peninsula. It starts with what vegetables to plant now in Melbourne and across Victoria, then goes through the whole year, with sowing windows set for the cool temperate climate of Melbourne and Victoria. Further down you will find a sowing chart for popular vegetables, local timing notes, frost dates by postcode and a season-by-season guide, all from the same data that runs the Planting Season app. Inland Victoria runs colder than the bay, so the postcode frost dates further down are worth checking before you plant anything frost tender.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Melbourne has a cool temperate climate with a short warm season (Oct to Apr) and long, cold winters (May to Sep). Last spring frost occurs mid to late September in outer suburbs; first autumn frost early June inland. Tropical and subtropical fruits are largely unsuitable unless in protected microclimates. Cool-season crops (brassicas, peas, root veg) thrive over winter; warm-season fruiting crops require delay until soil warms post-October.
Want frost dates for your own postcode, not just the region? Try the Frost Lookup.
Month-by-month vegetable planting calendar for Melbourne
Every vegetable in our Melbourne calendar, grouped by the month you can sow or plant it. Each month links to its full page with herbs, fruit, spacing, harvest times and companions.
| Month | Vegetables to sow or plant | Count |
|---|---|---|
| January | Brussels Sprouts, Celeriac, Spring Onion, Swede, Watercress | 5 |
| February | Beetroot, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccolini, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Chicory, Endive, Florence Fennel, Good King Henry, Hamburg Parsley, Radicchio, Salsify, Scorzonera, Spring Onion, Swede, Watercress, Wombok | 20 |
| March | Beetroot, Bok Choy, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Broccolini, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Collards, Daikon, Endive, Fennel, Florence Fennel, Gai Lan, Garlic, Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Hamburg Parsley, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lettuce, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onion, Peas, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Rocket, Salsify, Scorzonera, Shallot, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Onion, Swede, Tatsoi, Turnip, Watercress, Wombok | 48 |
| April | Beetroot, Bok Choy, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Broccolini, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Collards, Daikon, Endive, Fennel, Florence Fennel, Gai Lan, Garlic, Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Hamburg Parsley, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lettuce, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onion, Parsnip, Peas, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Rocket, Salsify, Scorzonera, Shallot, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Onion, Swede, Tatsoi, Turnip, Watercress, Wombok | 49 |
| May | Bok Choy, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Broccolini, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Collards, Daikon, Endive, Fennel, Florence Fennel, Gai Lan, Garlic, Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Hamburg Parsley, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lettuce, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onion, Parsnip, Peas, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Rocket, Salsify, Scorzonera, Shallot, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Onion, Tatsoi, Turnip, Watercress, Wombok | 47 |
| June | Bok Choy, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Broccolini, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Collards, Daikon, Endive, Fennel, Florence Fennel, Gai Lan, Garlic, Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Hamburg Parsley, Horseradish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lettuce, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onion, Parsnip, Peas, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Rocket, Salsify, Scorzonera, Shallot, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Onion, Tatsoi, Turnip, Watercress, Wombok | 48 |
| July | Asparagus, Bok Choy, Broad Beans, Carrot, Celery, Chicory, Collards, Daikon, Endive, Fennel, Gai Lan, Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Hamburg Parsley, Horseradish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna, Leek, Lettuce, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onion, Parsnip, Peas, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Rocket, Salsify, Scorzonera, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Onion, Tatsoi, Turnip, Watercress | 40 |
| August | Asparagus, Beetroot, Bok Choy, Broad Beans, Carrot, Chicory, Collards, Daikon, Endive, Fennel, Gai Lan, Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Komatsuna, Leek, Lettuce, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onion, Parsnip, Peas, Potato, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Rocket, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Onion, Tatsoi, Turnip, Watercress | 38 |
| September | Asparagus, Beetroot, Bok Choy, Carrot, Collards, Gai Lan, Globe Artichoke, Good King Henry, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Komatsuna, Lettuce, Mibuna, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onion, Potato, Radish, Rocket, Scarlet Runner Bean, Silverbeet, Sorrel, Spring Onion, Tatsoi, Tomatillo, Watercress | 27 |
| October | Amaranth, Beans (bush), Beetroot, Bitter Melon, Capsicum, Chilli, Choko, Cowpeas (Southern Peas), Cucumber, Edamame, Eggplant, Jerusalem Artichoke, Jicama (Yam Bean), Lima (Butter) Beans, Luffa, Okra, Peanuts, Pigface, Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Quinoa, Rockmelon, Scarlet Runner Bean, Silverbeet, Snake Beans, Spring Onion, Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Tomatillo, Tomato, Warrigal Greens, Watercress, Watermelon, Winged Beans, Zucchini | 37 |
| November | Amaranth, Beans (bush), Bitter Melon, Capsicum, Chilli, Choko, Cowpeas (Southern Peas), Cucumber, Edamame, Eggplant, Jicama (Yam Bean), Lima (Butter) Beans, Luffa, Okra, Peanuts, Pigface, Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Queensland Arrowroot, Quinoa, Rockmelon, Rosella, Scarlet Runner Bean, Snake Beans, Sorghum, Spring Onion, Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Tomatillo, Tomato, Warrigal Greens, Watercress, Watermelon, Winged Beans, Zucchini | 37 |
| December | Amaranth, Beans (bush), Bitter Melon, Brussels Sprouts, Capsicum, Chilli, Cowpeas (Southern Peas), Cucumber, Edamame, Eggplant, Lima (Butter) Beans, Luffa, Okra, Pigface, Popcorn, Pumpkin, Queensland Arrowroot, Quinoa, Rosella, Snake Beans, Sorghum, Spring Onion, Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Tomato, Warrigal Greens, Watercress, Watermelon, Winged Beans, Zucchini | 31 |
Melbourne vegetable sowing chart
33 popular crops, with the months you can sow or plant them in Melbourne. Shaded months are open sowing windows, and the last column spells them out. Seed started indoors or in trays counts as a sowing where our data says so.
| Crop | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Sow or plant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Capsicum | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Chilli | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Eggplant | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Zucchini | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Cucumber | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Pumpkin | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Sweet Corn | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Beans (bush) | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Peas | Mar to Aug | ||||||||||||
| Snow Peas | Mar to Aug | ||||||||||||
| Broad Beans | Mar to Aug | ||||||||||||
| Lettuce | Mar to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Spinach | Mar to Aug | ||||||||||||
| Silverbeet | Mar to Oct | ||||||||||||
| Kale | Mar to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Bok Choy | Feb to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Broccoli | Feb to Jun | ||||||||||||
| Cabbage | Feb to Jun | ||||||||||||
| Cauliflower | Feb to Jun | ||||||||||||
| Carrot | Mar to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Beetroot | Feb to Apr and Aug to Oct | ||||||||||||
| Radish | Mar to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Onion | Mar to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Garlic | Mar to Jun | ||||||||||||
| Leek | Mar to Aug | ||||||||||||
| Potato | Aug to Nov | ||||||||||||
| Sweet Potato | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Basil | Oct to Dec | ||||||||||||
| Coriander | Mar to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Parsley | Mar to Sep | ||||||||||||
| Strawberry | Mar to May | ||||||||||||
| Watermelon | Oct to Dec |
Local timing notes for Melbourne
Where timing in Melbourne differs from the baseline calendar, our data carries a local note. These are the same notes the app and the plant pages show for this region, and they explain the shape of the chart above.
- Tomato (Oct to Dec): Sow seed indoors Aug to Sep. Plant out from mid-Oct (inner city and bayside) and from Cup Day (first Tue of Nov) for most suburbs, once soil passes 16°C. Hills wait until late Nov.
- Capsicum (Oct to Dec): Sow or plant out from October to December, once frost has passed and the soil warms. For an earlier start, raise seed indoors in July or August, or buy seedlings. Fruit ripens from February onwards. The window is later than in SEQ because Melbourne's warm season is shorter.
- Chilli (Oct to Dec): Seed indoors Aug to Sept, transplant Oct to Nov once frost risk passes. Shorter fruiting window than SEQ.
- Eggplant (Oct to Dec): Start seed indoors Aug to Sep with bottom warmth; transplant from early November (Cup Day) once soil passes 18°C. June to July sowing needs a heated glasshouse.
- Zucchini (Oct to Dec): Sow direct Oct to Nov (Dec latest). Soil must reach 20°C; don't rush Sept sowing. Frost will kill.
- Cucumber (Oct to Dec): Sow direct or transplant Oct to Dec once soil warm. Frost-sensitive; no winter sow. Shorter season than SEQ.
- Pumpkin (Oct to Dec): Sow from October to early December. Pumpkins need a long warm season, and the autumn frosts from about mid May cut it short, so there is no winter sowing.
- Sweet Corn (Oct to Dec): Sow direct Oct to Dec once soil 20°C+. Frost-tender; Feb to Apr harvest before autumn frost. No winter sow.
- Beans (bush) (Oct to Dec): Sow from October to December once frost has passed, usually from mid October. There is no autumn sowing, as the autumn frosts end the crop.
- Peas (Mar to Aug): Sow Mar to Aug (peak Apr to Jun). Melbourne's cool winter ideal for peas. Frost-hardy.
- Snow Peas (Mar to Aug): Sow Mar to Aug (peak Apr to Jun). Melbourne's cool winter ideal for snow peas. Frost-hardy; trellis to 1.5m.
- Broad Beans (Mar to Aug): Melbourne's signature winter crop. Sow Mar to Aug. Frost helps pod set.
- Lettuce (Mar to Sep): Sow from March to September: autumn sowings from March to May, winter sowings from May to July and spring sowings from July to September. Melbourne's long cool season suits lettuce.
- Spinach (Mar to Aug): Narrow SEQ window extended: sow Mar to Aug in Melbourne for continuous winter harvest.
- Silverbeet (Mar to Oct): Sow year-round but peak autumn to winter (Mar to Jun). Add early spring (Sep to Oct). Tolerates light frost.
- Kale (Mar to Sep): Extend window: sow Mar to Jul (seed trays), transplant Apr to Aug. Frost-hardy; thrive in Melbourne winter.
- Bok Choy (Feb to Sep): Sow from February to September. Cool temperatures suit bok choy best, and a late summer sowing in February gives an autumn harvest.
- Broccoli (Feb to Jun): Seed indoors Feb to Apr, transplant Apr to Jun. Longer season than SEQ; tolerates cold winters.
- Cabbage (Feb to Jun): Sow Feb to Mar, transplant Apr to May for winter harvest. Winter storage improves flavour in Melbourne's cool.
- Cauliflower (Feb to Jun): Seed indoors Feb to Mar (early), transplant Apr to May. Melbourne's long cool season extends harvest.
- Carrot (Mar to Sep): Sow from March to September. Melbourne's cooler temperatures reduce bolting.
- Beetroot (Feb to Apr and Aug to Oct): Sow Feb to Apr and Aug to Oct. Winter sowings stall in cold soil; spring sowings race away.
- Radish (Mar to Sep): Extend window: Mar to Sep in Melbourne. Cool temps slow bolting; fast harvests in cool season.
- Onion (Mar to Sep): Variety stagger: early types Mar to May, mid-season Jun to Jul, late keepers Jul to Sep. Long cool season perfect for bulbing.
- Garlic (Mar to Jun): Plant cloves Mar to Jun. Melbourne's cool winter ideal for garlic; needs 8+ weeks cold.
- Leek (Mar to Aug): Sow from March to August and transplant in spring or early summer. Leeks are frost hardy and grow on steadily through the Melbourne winter.
- Potato (Aug to Nov): Plant certified seed potatoes Aug to Nov (spring). Autumn planting fails in Melbourne: winter frost kills the tops. Protect shoots that emerge before the last frost. See how to grow potatoes.
- Sweet Potato (Oct to Dec): Plant slips from October to December once the soil reaches 20°C; earlier plantings have the best chance. The vines need 5 to 6 frost free months and the May frosts kill them, so this crop is risky but possible.
- Basil (Oct to Dec): Sow outdoors from October to December once nights stay above 10°C, usually from mid October. Cold soil and frost kill basil instantly, so do not sow in August or September.
- Coriander (Mar to Sep): Sow Mar to Sep (cool season preferred). Bolt-resistant in Melbourne winter; extend vs SEQ.
- Parsley (Mar to Sep): Sow from March to September. The seed is slow to germinate and prefers cool temperatures, and plants overwinter well in Melbourne.
- Strawberry (Mar to May): Plant runners/crowns Mar to May for autumn/winter cropping. Cool season suits. Frost-tolerant perennial.
- Watermelon (Oct to Dec): Sow from October to December; earlier sowings have the best chance. Watermelon needs 100 or more warm days, and Melbourne's short summer risks immature fruit before the May frosts.
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Frost dates and climate in Melbourne
Melbourne & Victoria has a cool temperate climate. Across the region the average last spring frost falls around 10 September and the first autumn frost around 15 May, which leaves a growing season of about 247 days for frost-tender crops such as tomatoes, beans, pumpkins and basil. Those are regional midpoints: a frost pocket, a slope or a warm wall can shift your own dates by weeks.
Frost is local, so here is what the postcode records show for a few places across Melbourne and Victoria:
- Melbourne CBD (3000): occasional frost, recorded in 4 of the last 10 winters. When it comes, holding tender crops until about 17 August is the safe choice.
- Geelong (3220): frost in 5 of the last 10 winters; typical last frost 16 July; safe for tender crops 9 years in 10 from 13 August; typical first frost 16 June; about 1 frosty morning a year.
- Mornington (3931): occasional frost, recorded in 3 of the last 10 winters. When it comes, holding tender crops until about 20 August is the safe choice.
- Healesville (3777): frost in 6 of the last 10 winters; typical last frost 7 August; safe for tender crops 9 years in 10 from 1 September; typical first frost 22 June; about 2 frosty mornings a year.
- Ballarat (3350): frost in 10 of the last 10 winters; typical last frost 27 September; safe for tender crops 9 years in 10 from 19 October; typical first frost 28 May; about 12 frosty mornings a year.
- Bendigo (3550): frost in 10 of the last 10 winters; typical last frost 17 September; safe for tender crops 9 years in 10 from 28 September; typical first frost 29 May; about 18 frosty mornings a year.
Enter your own postcode in the Frost Lookup for your typical last and first frost. Postcode figures: SILO (Queensland Government), daily minimum temperatures 2011 to 2020, CC BY 4.0.
Melbourne planting seasons: a season-by-season guide
The calendar above, read by season. Counts and crop lists come straight from the Melbourne sowing windows, so they change only when our data changes.
Spring in Melbourne (September to November)
59 vegetables can be sown at some point in spring. Sowing windows that open: in September, Scarlet Runner Bean and Tomatillo; in October, Tomato, Capsicum, Chilli, Eggplant, Zucchini, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Beans (bush), Sweet Potato and 19 more; in November, Queensland Arrowroot, Rosella and Sorghum. Last chance before the season ends: September for Lettuce, Kale, Bok Choy, Carrot, Radish, Onion, Asparagus, Collards, Gai Lan, Globe Artichoke and 9 more; October for Silverbeet, Beetroot and Jerusalem Artichoke. You can keep sowing Potato, Scarlet Runner Bean, Spring Onion, Tomatillo and Watercress through every month of it.
Summer in Melbourne (December to February)
48 vegetables can be sown at some point in summer. Sowing windows that open: in December, Brussels Sprouts; in January, Celeriac and Swede; in February, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Beetroot, Broccolini, Chicory, Endive, Florence Fennel, Good King Henry and 5 more. Last chance before the season ends: December for Tomato, Capsicum, Chilli, Eggplant, Zucchini, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Beans (bush), Sweet Potato and 18 more. You can keep sowing Brussels Sprouts, Spring Onion and Watercress through every month of it.
Autumn in Melbourne (March to May)
49 vegetables can be sown at some point in autumn. Sowing windows that open: in March, Peas, Snow Peas, Broad Beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet, Kale, Carrot, Radish, Onion and 19 more; in April, Parsnip. Last chance before the season ends: April for Beetroot and Swede. You can keep sowing Peas, Snow Peas, Broad Beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet, Kale, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Radish, Onion and 32 more through every month of it.
Winter in Melbourne (June to August)
52 vegetables can be sown at some point in winter. Sowing windows that open: in June, Horseradish; in July, Asparagus; in August, Beetroot, Potato and Jerusalem Artichoke. Last chance before the season ends: June for Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, Broccolini, Celeriac, Florence Fennel, Shallot and Wombok; July for Celery, Hamburg Parsley, Kohlrabi, Salsify and Scorzonera. You can keep sowing Peas, Snow Peas, Broad Beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet, Kale, Bok Choy, Carrot, Radish, Onion, Leek, Chicory, Collards and 20 more through every month of it. For more detail, see what to plant in winter in Melbourne and the best winter vegetables across Australia.
Melbourne-Specific Guides
Guides written specifically for Melbourne and Victorian conditions, frost dates, and cool-climate timing.
Frost dates, varieties, suburb timing What to Plant in Winter
Hardy crops for Melbourne's cold months Frost-Tolerant Vegetables
Crops that handle Melbourne frosts Growing Garlic in Melbourne
Plant now for summer harvest Clay Soil Gardening
Fix heavy basalt and clay soils
View all 10 Melbourne guides →
Growing Guides
In-depth guides for the most popular crops and techniques. These guides adapt to your region.
Free Monthly Planting Calendar
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Free Printable Planting Calendars
A4 landscape PDFs for each month, stick one on the fridge.
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Open the App Free →Planting calendars for other Australian cities
Gardening somewhere else? Each region has its own sowing windows, frost dates and month pages. For a national overview, see what vegetables to plant now across Australia.
- Sydney vegetable planting calendar
Sydney & Coastal NSW: warm temperate, effectively frost free. - Brisbane vegetable planting calendar
South East Queensland: subtropical, effectively frost free. - Northern Rivers vegetable planting calendar
Northern Rivers NSW: subtropical, effectively frost free. - Adelaide vegetable planting calendar
Adelaide & SA: Mediterranean, frost window 20 August to 1 June. - Perth vegetable planting calendar
Perth & WA: Mediterranean, effectively frost free. - Hobart vegetable planting calendar
Tasmania: cool temperate, frost window 5 October to 25 April. - Canberra vegetable planting calendar
Canberra & ACT: cool highlands, frost window 1 November to 10 April. - North Queensland vegetable planting calendar
North Queensland: tropical wet/dry, effectively frost free. - Darwin vegetable planting calendar
Darwin & Top End: tropical wet/dry, effectively frost free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I grow in Melbourne?
Melbourne has a cool temperate climate that supports a wide range of edible plants year-round. You can grow vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and native edibles. The key is choosing the right crops for each season and planting at the right time. Use the monthly guides above to see exactly what to plant each month.
When is the best time to start a vegetable garden in Melbourne?
You can start a vegetable garden in Melbourne any time of year. Autumn and spring are the easiest seasons for beginners because temperatures are mild and many crops thrive. Pick a spot with at least six hours of sun, prepare your soil with compost, and choose crops from the current month's planting list.
What grows best in Melbourne's climate?
Melbourne's cool temperate climate suits a specific range of crops each season. Use the monthly planting calendars above to find the best crops for right now. Each listing includes sowing windows, spacing, harvest timing, and companion planting suggestions tailored to Melbourne's conditions.
What vegetables can I plant now in Melbourne?
It depends on the month. Going by our Melbourne calendar, in spring (Sep to Nov) you can sow Tomato, Capsicum, Chilli, Eggplant, Zucchini, Cucumber and Pumpkin; in summer (Dec to Feb) you can sow Brussels Sprouts, Celeriac, Spring Onion, Swede and Watercress; in autumn (Mar to May) you can sow Peas, Snow Peas, Broad Beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet and Kale; in winter (Jun to Aug) you can sow Peas, Snow Peas, Broad Beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet and Kale. The What to plant in Melbourne now section at the top of this page always shows the current month, and each month page lists every crop.
When is the last frost in Melbourne?
Across Melbourne & Victoria the average last spring frost is around 10 September and the first autumn frost around 15 May, a growing season of about 247 days. Postcode records for Melbourne CBD (3000) show frost in 4 of the last 10 winters, and holding tender crops until about 17 August is the safe choice. Check your own postcode with the Frost Lookup.
When should I plant tomatoes in Melbourne?
Our Melbourne calendar has tomatoes sown or planted October to December. Sow seed indoors Aug to Sep. Plant out from mid-Oct (inner city and bayside) and from Cup Day (first Tue of Nov) for most suburbs, once soil passes 16°C. Hills wait until late Nov. More in when to plant tomatoes in Melbourne.
When should I plant potatoes in Melbourne?
Our Melbourne calendar has potatoes sown or planted August to November. Plant certified seed potatoes Aug to Nov (spring). Autumn planting fails in Melbourne: winter frost kills the tops. Protect shoots that emerge before the last frost. More in how to grow potatoes.