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Ageratum
Grow ageratum from seed in Australia: surface sowing, months for six climate zones, spacing, pots, deadheading, weed and livestock cautions and pests to watch.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, 1 mm at most |
| Spacing | 30 cm; Red Flint 40 cm |
| First flowers | 12 to 14 weeks from sowing |
Agrimony
How to grow agrimony in Australia from seed: chilling the burrs, sowing months for six climate zones, sun and soil, cutting back, harvest, history and safety.
| Position | Full sun, light shade tolerated |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Summer; 12 to 18 weeks from spring sowing |
Alfalfa Sprouts
Grow alfalfa sprouts in a jar in Australia: how much seed, soaking, rinsing, greening, floating off hulls, storing, food safety, and root hairs versus mould.
Large amounts harmful to people| Position | Indirect light, never direct sun |
|---|---|
| First pick | Days 5 to 8 |
Allium
Grow drumstick alliums in Australia: plant bulbs 8 to 10 cm deep in autumn, keep summers dry, cut purple heads for the vase, and keep the bulbs away from pets.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 8 to 10 cm deep |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm |
| First flowers | Oct to Jan, by zone |
Alyssum
Grow alyssum from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, surface sowing, spacing, pots, shearing for more flowers, and the pests to watch.
| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, press in |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | 8 to 9 weeks from sowing |
Amaranth Flower
Grow ornamental amaranth from seed in Australia: love-lies-bleeding, plumes and Joseph's coat, sowing months for six zones, staking, drying and weed status.
| Position | Full sun, out of strong wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 80 cm |
| First flowers | 14 to 16 weeks |
Amaranth
How to grow leaf amaranth, or Chinese spinach, in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, warm soil, thinning, picking, pests and cooking the leaves.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 6 mm |
| Spacing | 15 cm apart |
| First pick | 4 to 8 weeks |
Anemone
Grow poppy anemones from corms in Australia: how long to soak, which way up, autumn planting months by zone, pots, cut flowers and keeping corms over summer.
Poisonous to people| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 cm, pointed end down |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm |
| First flowers | 10 to 14 weeks from planting |
Angelica
How to grow angelica in Australia from seed: fresh or chilled seed sown on the surface, part shade, months for six climate zones, stems, history and safety.
| Position | Part shade, morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; press in, uncovered |
| Spacing | 50 to 90 cm |
| First pick | Stems at about 18 months |
Anise Hyssop
How to grow anise hyssop in Australia from seed: surface sowing, free-draining soil, sowing months for six zones, cutting back, and picking leaves and flowers.
| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, or 1 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves from about 10 weeks |
Anise
How to grow anise in Australia: when to sow in all six climate zones, sowing where it grows, spacing and watering, then harvesting and drying seed and leaves.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 25 to 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Seed 17 to 20 weeks from sowing |
Aquilegia
Grow aquilegia from seed in Australia: chilling the seed, when to sow in six climate zones, part shade, pots, deadheading, cut flowers and common pests.
Poisonous to people| Position | Part shade or morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, 3 mm cover at most |
| Spacing | 30 to 50 cm |
| First flowers | From about 28 weeks |
Artichoke
How to grow globe artichokes from seed in Australia: sowing, spacing, feeding, when to cut the buds, cutting back, cardoon, and sowing months for every zone.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 mm |
| Spacing | 1 to 1.5 m apart |
| First pick | About 42 to 57 weeks |
Ashitaba
Grow ashitaba from seed in Australia: chilling the seed, surface sowing, shade and moist soil, picking young stems, history, safety and all six climate zones.
| Position | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; half cover the seed |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Second year onwards |
Ashwagandha
Grow ashwagandha from seed in Australia: warm germination, sowing, site, care and root harvest, with its history and safety, for all six climate zones.
Poisonous to people| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 45 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Roots 21 to 26 weeks |
Asparagus
How to grow asparagus from seed in Australia: raising seedlings, planting crowns, a bed of its own, when to start picking spears and cutting back the fern.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Seed 1 to 2 cm |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm |
| First pick | Third spring from sowing |
Aster
Grow China asters in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, spacing, pots, watering, Fusarium wilt and thrips, and cutting blooms for the vase.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm |
| First flowers | 13 to 16 weeks |
Astilbe
Grow astilbe in Australia: when to plant bare-root crowns, the moist shade it needs, watering, cutting back, dividing clumps and its weed status in each state.
| Position | Dappled or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Buds at soil level |
| Spacing | 45 to 60 cm |
| First flowers | Summer, varying with variety |
Astragalus
How to grow astragalus (huang qi) in Australia from hard-coated seed: rubbing and soaking, sowing months for six zones, care, pests and lifting the taproot.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 45 cm apart |
| First pick | Roots after 2 to 3 years |
Aubretia
Growing aubretia as a hardy groundcover in Australian gardens: sowing, position, trimming after flowering, companion plants and common pests.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | On the surface, barely covered |
| Spacing | 25 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | Spring, after a winter chill |
Baby Blue Eyes
Grow baby blue eyes from seed in Australia: autumn sowing months for six climate zones, depth, spacing, shade, pots, pests and saving seed for next year.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 3 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers in 12 to 16 weeks |
Balloon Flower
Grow balloon flower from seed in Australia: surface sowing, when to sow in six climate zones, pots, deadheading, cutting for the vase and avoiding root rot.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, uncovered |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm |
| First flowers | Second summer, from 29 weeks |
Barley Grass
Grow barley grass on a tray in Australia: soaking, sowing, watering from below, when to cut, storing, food safety, and how it differs from wheatgrass.
| Position | Bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| First pick | 6 to 10 days |
Basil
Sowing basil once the nights are mild, spacing and watering, pinching for bushy plants, and picking so the crop keeps coming until the first cold snap.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 6 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 6 to 12 weeks |
Bean
How to grow beans in Australia: sowing months by climate zone, bush and climbing types, low-nitrogen feeding, watering, picking pods, plus bean fly and rust.
Raw dried beans harmful| Position | Full sun, at least six hours |
|---|---|
| Depth | 25 to 30 mm |
| Spacing | Bush 10 to 15, climbing 15 to 20 cm |
| First pick | 7 to 14 weeks |
Bearded Iris
Grow bearded iris in Australia: when to plant rhizomes, how shallow to set them, six-zone calendar, feeding, dividing clumps, rot, leaf spot and cut flowers.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, six hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | Top at surface, 2 cm max |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm |
| First flowers | Spring, often from second year |
Beetroot
How to grow beetroot in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, thinning the seed clusters, steady watering, harvest size and the pests that matter.
| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 20 mm |
| Spacing | 10 cm apart after thinning |
| First pick | 7 to 12 weeks |
Begonia
Grow bedding begonias from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, surface sowing for light, potting up, part shade and the pests to watch.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | On the surface, uncovered |
| Spacing | 20 to 25 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers about 16 to 21 weeks from sowing |
Belladonna Lily
Grow belladonna lilies in Australia: plant bulbs in summer with the neck showing, give full sun and no summer water, and keep the poisonous bulbs from pets.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, the hotter the better |
|---|---|
| Depth | Neck at or above surface |
| Spacing | About 30 cm |
| First flowers | Feb to Apr, first bud open |
Bells of Ireland
Grow Bells of Ireland from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, light for germination, staking, and cutting and drying the green spikes.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, 3 mm at most |
| Spacing | 25 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 12 to 16 weeks; autumn sowings flower in spring |
Billy Buttons
Grow billy buttons from seed in Australia: surface sowing, months for six climate zones, soil, light feeding, deadheading, and cutting and drying golden heads.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, press in |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm apart |
| First flowers | Flowers 13 to 17 weeks |
Biofumigant Mustard
How to grow biofumigant mustard as a cover crop in Australia: when to sow, how to chop and dig it in at first flower, what it can do, and the state weed lists.
| Position | Full sun; tolerates part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | Broadcast, rate per blend |
| First pick | When a quarter flower, about 5 to 16 weeks |
Bitter Melon
How to grow bitter melon in Australia: soaking and scarifying the hard seed, sowing months by zone, a tall trellis, hand pollination and when to pick.
Seeds and ripe fruit harmful to people| Position | Full sun, sheltered |
|---|---|
| Depth | 20 to 25 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 11 weeks |
Black Cohosh
Grow black cohosh from seed in Australia: the warm then cold germination method, shade and soil, care, seed saving, history, safety and all six climate zones.
Poisonous to people| Position | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 6 mm |
| Spacing | 60 to 90 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowers in year three or four |
Black Currant
Grow black currants from bare-root canes in Australia: winter chill and planting in six zones, feeding, winter pruning, pests, state weed rules and picking.
| Position | Full sun; shade hot afternoons |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 cm below old mark |
| Spacing | 1.2 to 1.5 m apart |
| First pick | Second summer after planting |
Black Sunflower Shoots
Grow black sunflower shoots on a tray in Australia: soaking, sowing under a weight, light, watering, knocking off the shells, cutting, storing and food safety.
| Position | Bright, indirect light |
|---|---|
| First pick | 8 to 14 days |
Blackberry
Grow thornless blackberries in Australia: each state's weed rules, planting bare-root canes in winter, trellis training, pruning, feeding and picking the fruit.
| Position | Full sun, afternoon shade inland |
|---|---|
| Depth | Old soil mark, or 3 to 5 cm deeper |
| Spacing | 150 to 180 cm apart |
| First pick | Second summer after planting |
Blue Pea Sprouts
Grow firm, crunchy blue pea sprouts in a jar in Australia: how many peas to use, soaking, rinsing, when to harvest, storing, food safety and common problems.
| Position | Low light, out of sun |
|---|---|
| First pick | 2 to 4 days |
Bok Choy
How to grow bok choy and pak choi in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, spacing by type, netting out caterpillars and stopping early bolting.
| Position | Full sun, afternoon shade when hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm by type |
| First pick | 6 to 8 weeks from sowing |
Borage
How to grow borage in Australia: when to sow in all six climate zones, sowing where it grows, lean soil, pots, self-seeding control and picking flowers safely.
Leaves harmful to people eaten often| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 60 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 12 weeks from sowing |
Boysenberry
Grow boysenberries in Australia from bare-root canes: winter planting by climate zone, building a wire trellis, feeding, pruning fruited canes and picking.
| Position | Sun; afternoon shade where hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | Stem base level with soil |
| Spacing | 1.5 to 2 m apart |
| First pick | Early summer, from year two |
Brachycome
Grow Swan River daisy (Brachycome) from seed in Australia: surface sowing, when to sow in six climate zones, pots and baskets, deadheading and avoiding mildew.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, barely covered |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers about 16 weeks from sowing |
Broad Bean
How to grow broad beans in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, spacing, staking, pinching out tips, chocolate spot, rust and the favism warning.
Harmful to people with favism| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 30 to 50 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First pick | 14 to 20 weeks |
Broccoli Sprouts
Grow broccoli sprouts in a jar in Australia: seed amounts, soaking, rinsing, greening, drying, storage, food safety, and how to tell root hairs from mould.
| Position | Indirect light, never direct sun |
|---|---|
| First pick | 4 to 6 days |
Broccoli
How to grow broccoli in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, netting against caterpillars, feeding, side shoots, buttoning and when to cut heads.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm |
| First pick | Most types 10 to 16 weeks from sowing |
Brussels Sprouts
How to grow Brussels sprouts in Australia: when to sow in all six climate zones, netting summer seedlings, feeding, topping and picking firm sprouts in winter.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 60 to 90 cm apart |
| First pick | 11 to 16 weeks from transplanting |
Buckwheat Cover Crop
How to grow buckwheat as a summer cover crop in Australia: when to sow, seed rate and depth, when to cut and dig it in, and what the state weed lists say.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 25 mm |
| Spacing | Scatter 7 to 8 g per square metre |
| First pick | Cut in flower, 5 to 8 weeks from sowing |
Buckwheat Greens
Grow buckwheat greens on a tray in Australia: why the whole seed is not a jar sprout, soaking, sowing, clearing the hulls, cutting, storing and food safety.
| Position | Bright light once uncovered |
|---|---|
| First pick | 8 to 12 days |
Burdock
How to grow burdock (gobo) in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, digging a deep bed, thinning, light feeding and lifting long, straight roots.
| Position | Full sun; tolerates light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 20 cm |
| First pick | 16 to 20 weeks |
Cabbage
How to grow cabbages in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, spacing by type, netting against caterpillars, steady watering and cutting firm heads.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 75 cm by type |
| First pick | 8 to 20 weeks |
Calendula
Grow calendula in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, sowing depth, pots, deadheading, pests, and picking the edible petals for salads and colour.
| Position | Full sun or half sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 12 to 15 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 50 cm |
| First flowers | 8 to 10 weeks |
Californian Poppy
Grow Californian poppies from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, sowing direct, lean soil, pots, deadheading and keeping seed off bushland.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm, lightly covered |
| Spacing | 20 to 40 cm |
| First flowers | 8 to 13 weeks from sowing |
Calla Lily
Grow coloured calla lilies from tubers: planting depth and timing for six zones, water and feeding, lifting and storing, pests, toxicity and the arum lily weed.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, hot-afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 cm, rough side up |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 7 to 12 weeks from planting |
Candytuft
Grow candytuft from seed in Australia: autumn sowing months for six climate zones, depth, spacing, pots, deadheading, cut flowers and cabbage-family pests.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 4 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 12 to 14 weeks |
Canna Lily
Grow dwarf canna lilies from rhizomes: planting depth and timing for six zones, feeding for flowers, cutting back, dividing, pests, and the weed lists by state.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 cm, eyes up |
| Spacing | 30 to 90 cm |
| First flowers | 6 to 8 weeks from shooting |
Canterbury Bells
Grow Canterbury bells from seed in Australia: surface sowing, sowing months for six zones, the biennial wait for flowers, staking, cutting and pest control.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow; needs light |
| Spacing | 30 cm |
| First flowers | 7 to 15 months from sowing |
Cape Gooseberry
Grow cape gooseberries in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, spacing, light feeding, fruit fly and other pests, and the sign of ripe fruit.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 4 mm |
| Spacing | 50 cm to 1.5 m |
| First pick | 12 to 26 weeks from sowing |
Caper Bush
Grow caper bush from seed in Australia: soaking and chilling the seed, site, sowing, care, pruning, picking and salting capers, plus history and safety by zone.
| Position | Full sun, hot and dry |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 12 mm |
| Spacing | 2.5 to 3 m apart |
| First pick | Second or third summer |
Capsicum
How to grow capsicum in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, warm soil, staking, steady water, potassium feeding, and fruit fly and pest control.
| Position | Full sun, six hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm |
| First pick | 10 to 15 weeks after transplanting |
Caraway
How to grow caraway in Australia: when to sow in all six climate zones, sowing direct, pots, why it flowers in year two, and harvesting and drying the seed.
| Position | Full sun; tolerates light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves 10 to 12 weeks |
Cardinal Climber
Grow cardinal climber from seed in Australia: soaking hard seed, sowing months for six climate zones, trellis training, light feeding and weed status by state.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 8 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers 10 to 14 weeks |
Carnation
Grow carnations from seed in Australia: when to sow in six climate zones, soil, pots, disbudding for big blooms, cutting for the vase and avoiding crown rot.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm |
| First flowers | 19 to 29 weeks from sowing |
Carrot
How to grow carrots in Australia: sowing months by climate zone, deep stone-free soil, keeping the seed row damp, thinning, harvest and the pests that matter.
| Position | Full sun; crops on three or four hours |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 5 to 10 cm apart |
| First pick | 9 to 18 weeks |
Cat Grass
How to grow cat grass (cocksfoot) in pots in Australia: sowing thickly, warmth, watering, trimming for cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, and stopping it seeding.
| Position | Bright light; part shade outdoors |
|---|---|
| Depth | Cover lightly, 1 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | Scatter thickly; no thinning |
| First pick | 2 to 4 weeks |
Catmint
How to grow catmint in Australia from seed: shallow sowing, sun and free drainage, sowing months for six zones, shearing for a second flush and drying flowers.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowers from 10 to 13 weeks |
Catnip
How to grow catnip in Australia from seed: light sowing, dry free-draining soil, sowing months for six zones, protecting seedlings from cats and drying leaves.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, 5 mm at most |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves from 11 to 12 weeks |
Cauliflower
How to grow cauliflower in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, spacing by type, netting, covering white curds and cutting heads before they loosen.
| Position | Full sun, at least 6 hours |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm by type |
| First pick | 12 to 22 weeks from sowing |
Celery
How to grow celery in Australia: sowing months for six zones, raising seed in trays, steady water and feeding, blanching stalks, celeriac, leaf celery, pests.
| Position | Full sun; shade hot afternoons |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, barely covered |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 12 to 14 weeks from planting |
Celosia
Grow celosia from seed in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, plumed, crested and wheat types, pinching, pots, cutting, drying and pest control.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm at most |
| Spacing | 20 to 45 cm |
| First flowers | 12 to 14 weeks |
Chamomile
How to grow chamomile in Australia: German and Roman types, sowing months for six climate zones, surface sowing for light, pots, and picking and drying flowers.
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; press in, uncovered |
| Spacing | 20 cm apart |
| First pick | 9 to 10 weeks (German) |
Chervil
How to grow chervil in Australia: cool-season sowing times for all six climate zones, sowing direct, part shade, pots, delaying bolting and picking the leaves.
| Position | Part shade, morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 25 cm |
| First pick | 6 to 8 weeks |
Chicken Forage Mix
Grow a chicken forage patch in Australia: when and how to sow the mix, keeping hens off until it roots, rotational grazing and which plants need a safety check.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 2 to 3 g per square metre |
| First pick | First graze 8 to 14 weeks |
Chicory
How to grow chicory in Australia: radicchio, sugarloaf, leaf chicory and witloof, with sowing months for six zones, pots, forcing chicons, bitterness and pests.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 30 cm, by type |
| First pick | 8 to 16 weeks |
Chilli
How to grow chillies in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, warm seed raising, types from mild to superhot, staking, feeding and pest control.
| Position | At least six hours of direct sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm |
| First pick | 9 to 14 weeks after transplanting |
Chincherinchee
Grow chincherinchee bulbs for long-lasting white cut flowers: autumn planting depth, six-zone months, weed status by state, toxicity and vase care in Australia.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe)| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 8 cm, pointed end up |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm apart |
| First flowers | October to December from autumn planting |
Chinese Broccoli
How to grow Chinese broccoli, kai lan or gai lan, in Australia: sowing months for six zones, spacing, caterpillar netting and cutting shoots for side shoots.
| Position | Full sun; light shade when hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 25 cm |
| First pick | Shoots 7 to 12 weeks |
Chinese Cabbage
How to grow Chinese cabbage (wombok) in Australia: sowing months for all six zones, stopping bolting and tipburn, netting caterpillars and cutting firm heads.
| Position | Full sun, shade when hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 12 weeks from sowing |
Chinese Liquorice
Grow Chinese liquorice from seed in Australia: scarify the hard seed, sow it warm, contain the runners and lift the roots after three years, in all six zones.
Root harmful to people in large amounts| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm, scarified seed |
| Spacing | 60 to 120 cm apart |
| First pick | Roots after three years |
Chives
How to grow chives and garlic chives in Australia: sowing times for all six climate zones, depth and spacing, pots, cutting, dividing clumps and common pests.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | Clumps 15 to 25 cm apart |
| First pick | Light cuts from 8 to 12 weeks |
Choy Sum
How to grow choy sum and yu choy sum in Australia: sowing months for six zones, spacing by type, caterpillar netting and when to cut the budding stems.
| Position | Full sun; shade when hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm by type |
| First pick | 4 to 7 weeks |
Chrysanthemum
Grow chrysanthemums from seed in Australia: painted, garland and Shasta daisies, sowing months for six climate zones, feeding, division and the weed rules.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 1 to 5 mm by type |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm by type |
| First flowers | Annuals 10 to 14 weeks |
Clary Sage
How to grow clary sage in Australia from seed: shallow sowing, lean free-draining soil, sowing months for six zones, cutting back, picking leaves and flowers.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely cover; needs light |
| Spacing | 60 to 90 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves, 11 to 16 weeks |
Collards
How to grow collards in Australia: sowing months for six zones, spacing, pots, picking leaves so plants keep cropping, and stopping cabbage white caterpillars.
| Position | Full sun, 6 to 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 45 to 80 cm, by variety |
| First pick | First leaves 8 to 11 weeks |
Comfrey
How to grow comfrey from seed in Australia for mulch, compost and liquid feed: sowing times in six zones, spacing, cutting, comfrey tea and keeping it in check.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe for people)| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm, in trays |
| Spacing | 60 to 90 cm apart |
| First pick | About 52 weeks from sowing |
Coreopsis
Grow coreopsis from seed in Australia: sowing months for six zones, depth, spacing, pots, deadheading, cut flowers, weed care and the pests to watch for.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, 1 to 4 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | About 10 weeks from sowing |
Coriander
Why coriander runs to seed, when to sow it in your climate, and how to harvest the leaves, roots and seed so one packet gives three crops.
| Position | 6 hours sun; hot-afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First pick | 5 to 10 weeks |
Corn Salad
How to grow corn salad, also called lamb's lettuce or mache, in Australia: sowing months by zone, soil, thinning, pots, picking through winter and pest control.
| Position | Full sun in winter |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 20 cm |
| First pick | 5 to 8 weeks |
Corn
How to grow sweet corn, popcorn and maize in Australia: sowing months by zone, block planting for full cobs, keeping supersweet apart, picking at milk stage.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from gales |
|---|---|
| Depth | 25 to 30 mm |
| Spacing | 25 to 30 cm, in blocks |
| First pick | 11 to 14 weeks; dry types up to 16 |
Cornflower
Grow cornflowers from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, depth, spacing, pots, deadheading, cut and dried flowers and edible petals.
| Position | Full sun, six hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 10 to 14 weeks from sowing |
Cosmos
Grow cosmos from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, depth, spacing, pots, pinching, deadheading, cut flowers and the pests to watch for.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 6 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers in 10 to 14 weeks |
Cover Crop Mixes
How to grow cover crop mixes in Australia: choosing a mix by season and soil temperature, sowing rates, when to cut and dig in, and state weed list status.
Some mixes harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | 1 to 2 cm; 2 to 3 for cereals |
| Spacing | Broadcast; rate varies by mix |
| First pick | 6 to 16 weeks, at flowering |
Cress
How to grow garden cress, land cress and watercress in Australia: sowing months for six zones, watercress in pots, picking, pests and the creek cress risk.
| Position | Sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface to 5 mm |
| Spacing | Close; watercress 20 cm apart |
| First pick | From 2 weeks, by type |
Crinum
Grow crinum lilies in Australia: plant bulbs with the neck above the soil, where to site them, care through flowering, lily caterpillar control and toxicity.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Neck just above soil |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm |
| First flowers | Nov to Apr flowers |
Crocus
Grow crocus in Australia: plant corms 10 cm deep in autumn, give them a cold winter and a dry summer rest, and let the leaves yellow before you mow or tidy.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 cm deep |
| Spacing | 7 to 10 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers Jul to Sep |
Cucamelon
Grow cucamelon in Australia: sowing months for all six zones, trellis and spacing, pollination, feeding, pests, picking at grape size and keeping the tuber.
Bitter fruit harmful to people| Position | Full sun, warm and sheltered |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | 10 to 11 weeks |
Cucumber
Grow crunchy, sweet cucumbers in your backyard with our Australian growing guide. We cover the best planting times, soil prep, and secrets to avoiding bitter fruit for a bumper summer harvest.
Bitter fruit harmful to people| Position | Full sun; afternoon shade inland |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 20 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 60 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 10 weeks |
Culantro
How to grow culantro in Australia: when to sow in all six climate zones, sowing in warm soil, shade, pots, cutting flower stalks, picking and drying leaves.
| Position | Part shade, morning sun only |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, 2 mm cover at most |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First pick | 10 to 12 weeks from sowing |
Daffodil
Grow daffodils in Australia: autumn planting depth, chilling bulbs for warm zones, six-zone months, care after flowering, cut flowers, bulb pests and diseases.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 15 cm deep |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm apart |
| First flowers | Late winter to spring; about 2 months in tropics |
Dahlia
Grow dahlias from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, feeding, staking, pinching, picking, pests, and lifting and storing the tubers.
| Position | Full sun, shade hot afternoons |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First flowers | Flowers about 16 weeks |
Daikon Radish Sprouts
Grow daikon radish sprouts in a jar in Australia: seed amounts, soaking, rinsing, greening, dehulling, storage, food safety, and root hairs versus mould.
| Position | Indirect light, never direct sun |
|---|---|
| First pick | 4 to 6 days |
Dandelion
How to grow dandelion in Australia from seed: surface sowing, deep loose soil, sowing months for six zones, deadheading, milder leaves, roots and red dandelion.
| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, or 1 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves from about 12 to 16 weeks |
Dang Shen
Grow dang shen from seed in Australia: surface sowing, cold stratification, trellis, care by stage, root harvest, history and safety for all six climate zones.
| Position | Sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | On the surface, uncovered |
| Spacing | About 40 cm apart |
| First pick | Roots after 2 to 3 years |
Daylily
Grow daylilies (Hemerocallis) in Australia: planting bare-root crowns, depth and spacing, which type suits each zone, division, pests and the warning for cats.
Harmful to cats (severe)| Position | Full sun, six hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | Crown at most 2.5 cm deep |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers in one to two seasons |
Delphinium
Grow delphiniums in Australia from seed: when to sow in six climate zones, chilling the seed, staking tall spikes, cutting back for more blooms, safe handling.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe)| Position | Full sun or afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 4 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 50 cm by type |
| First flowers | About 20 weeks; longer from autumn sowings |
Dianthus
Grow dianthus from seed in Australia: when to sow in six climate zones, spacing, pots, deadheading for repeat flowers, cut stems and how to avoid crown rot.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | About 20 weeks from sowing |
Dill
How to grow dill in Australia: sowing times for all six climate zones, sowing depth and spacing, pots, slowing early flowering, and harvesting leaves and seed.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 6 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 6 to 8 weeks |
Dutch Iris
Grow Dutch iris in Australia: when to plant the bulbs in each zone, depth and spacing, chilling in warm areas, cutting stems for the vase and the summer rest.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 8 to 10 cm, tip up |
| Spacing | 8 to 15 cm |
| First flowers | August to November, by zone and planting date |
Echinacea
How to grow echinacea from seed in Australia: chilling narrow-leaved seed, sowing months for six climate zones, soil, care, cut flowers, history and safety.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, on the surface |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm apart |
| First pick | Second summer, sometimes the first |
Eggplant
How to grow eggplant in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, raising seed with bottom heat, staking, watering, picking and fruit fly control.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm, in trays |
| Spacing | 45 to 70 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 12 weeks after transplant |
Egyptian Spinach
Grow Egyptian spinach (molokhia) in Australia: when to sow in six climate zones, seed prep, cutting for months of leaf, and why seeds and pods are poisonous.
Seeds and pods harmful to people and pets| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, 6 mm at most |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 6 to 8 weeks |
Elephant garlic
Also sold as Russian garlic. Plant the large cloves in April or May, keep the bed weeded and watered, and use the finger test to judge when the bulbs are ready.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 cm of soil over tip |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 6 to 8 months |
Endive
How to grow endive in Australia: sowing months for six zones, spacing, pots, blanching frisΓ©e and escarole hearts, and keeping snails, aphids and bolting away.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 35 cm |
| First pick | Leaves from 10 weeks |
Evening Primrose
Grow evening primrose from seed in Australia: surface sowing in light, lean sunny beds, flowers at dusk in year two, seed saving, history, safety and six zones.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; press in, uncovered |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowers in the summer after its first winter |
Everlasting Daisy
Grow everlasting daisies from seed in Australia: surface sowing, months for six climate zones, lean soil, pots, deadheading, and when to cut flowers for drying.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, barely covered |
| Spacing | 25 to 40 cm |
| First flowers | 10 to 14 weeks; autumn sowings flower in spring |
Fennel
How to grow Florence fennel in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, direct sowing, steady watering, earthing up bulbs and how to stop bolting.
| Position | Full sun, cool months |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 10 to 20 weeks |
Fenugreek Sprouts
Grow fenugreek sprouts in a jar in Australia: how much seed, soaking, rinsing, harvesting before they turn bitter, storing, food safety and allergy advice.
Large amounts harmful to people| Position | Dark or shade, never sun |
|---|---|
| First pick | Days 2 to 6 |
Feverfew
Grow feverfew from seed in Australia: surface sowing in light, sun and free drainage, deadheading, picking and drying, its history, safety and all six zones.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; press in, do not cover |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowers from about 18 weeks |
Forget Me Not
Grow forget me nots from seed in Australia: autumn sowing months for six climate zones, shade, soil, pots, deadheading, mildew and keeping self-seeding in hand.
Chinese forget-me-not harmful to people and pets| Position | Part shade or morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm, lightly covered |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | Usually 10 to 24 weeks |
Four O'Clock
Grow four o'clocks (marvel of Peru) from seed in Australia: sowing months for six zones, tubers, weed status by state and safe handling of poisonous seed.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 mm to 2 cm |
| Spacing | 30 to 60 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers 11 to 12 weeks |
Foxglove
Grow foxgloves from seed in Australia: surface sowing, when to sow in each climate zone, shade, staking, cutting spikes and handling a poisonous plant safely.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe)| Position | Part shade or morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, uncovered |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm |
| First flowers | Second season; 'Foxy' about 20 weeks |
Freesia
Grow freesias in Australia: plant corms 5 to 7 cm deep in autumn, keep summers dry, support tall types, and stop garden freesias spreading into bushland.
| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 7 cm deep |
| Spacing | 5 to 10 cm |
| First flowers | Jul to Nov, by variety |
Gaillardia
Grow gaillardia (blanket flower) from seed in Australia: surface sowing, months for six zones, lean sandy soil, deadheading, and weed status in every state.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface to 3 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm |
| First flowers | About 16 weeks from sowing |
Galangal
Grow Thai red and lesser galangal from rhizomes in Australia: planting months for six zones, pre-sprouting, pots for frosty areas, feeding, pests and harvest.
| Position | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 7 cm, buds up |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm |
| First pick | 17 to 43 weeks |
Garlic
When to plant garlic in each Australian climate zone, how deep and how far apart, feeding through winter, and how to tell when the bulbs are ready to lift and cure.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, 6 hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | Tip 2 to 5 cm deep |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm |
| First pick | 22 to 39 weeks |
Gherkin
Grow gherkins in Australia: sowing months for all six zones, pickling and West Indian types, trellis training, feeding, pests and the size to pick for pickling.
Bitter fruit harmful to people| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 20 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 11 weeks |
Giloy
Grow giloy from fresh vine cuttings in Australia: striking cuttings, warmth, support, pots, vine training, history, safety and planting times for all six zones.
Poisonous to people (severe)| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Half the cutting buried |
| Spacing | About 3 m between vines |
| First pick | Cuttings in late winter |
Ginger
Grow ginger in Australia from rhizomes: planting months for all six zones, pre-sprouting, pots for cool areas, feeding, soft rot, harvest and replanting.
| Position | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 5 cm, buds up |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm apart |
| First pick | 22 to 43 weeks |
Gladioli
Grow gladioli from corms in Australia: planting depth and timing for six zones, staking, feeding, cutting, lifting and storing, pests and the wild weed species.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 15 cm, flat side down |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm |
| First flowers | 13 to 17 weeks from planting |
Globe Amaranth
Grow globe amaranth from seed in Australia: soaking seed, sowing months for six climate zones, spacing, pots, leaf spot, and cutting heads for drying.
| Position | Full sun, 6 to 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 10 to 13 weeks |
Godetia
Grow godetia from seed in Australia: autumn sowing months for six climate zones, lean soil, pots, pinching, pests and cutting satiny flowers for the vase.
| Position | Full sun; shade hot afternoons |
|---|---|
| Depth | No deeper than 2 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | 10 to 13 weeks |
Goji Berry
Grow goji berries from seed in Australia: germinating the seed, when to sow in six climate zones, light feeding, pruning, picking the fruit and safety notes.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 6 mm |
| Spacing | 1.2 to 2 m; hedges 0.6 to 1.2 m |
| First pick | Second or third summer |
Golden Chamomile
How to grow golden chamomile in Australia from seed: shallow sowing, lean free-draining soil, sowing months for six zones, deadheading and flowers for dyeing.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface to 2 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowers from 9 to 11 weeks |
Gourd
How to grow gourds in Australia: luffa, bottle, wax and ornamental gourds, sowing months by climate zone, trellising, hand pollination, picking and drying.
Bitter fruit harmful to people| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 20 to 25 mm |
| Spacing | 80 cm to 1 m |
| First pick | 8 to 12 weeks, young |
Grape Hyacinth
Grow grape hyacinths in Australia: plant bulbs 5 to 10 cm deep in autumn, chill them in warm zones, and deadhead so this spreading bulb stays out of bushland.
| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 cm deep |
| Spacing | 5 to 10 cm |
| First flowers | Jul to Oct, by zone |
Grey Sunflower Shoots
Grow grey sunflower shoots on a tray in Australia: soaking the striped seed, sowing, weighting, clearing the shells, cutting, storing and sprout food safety.
| Position | Dark first, then bright |
|---|---|
| First pick | 8 to 14 days |
Gypsophila
Grow gypsophila, or baby's breath, from seed in Australia: sowing months for six zones, depth, spacing, lean soil, pots, cutting, drying and common pests.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, 5 mm maximum |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 7 to 13 weeks |
Herb Robert
How to grow herb Robert in Australia: sowing its slow, uneven seed, moist shade, sowing times for every zone, and keeping this self-seeding cranesbill in check.
| Position | Light shade or morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Just covered, lightly |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Once the rosette is leafy |
Hippeastrum
Grow hippeastrums in any Australian zone: when to plant bulbs, why the neck sits above the soil, pots, feeding, frost, pests, toxicity and state weed status.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun or dappled shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Top third above soil |
| Spacing | About 30 cm |
| First flowers | 5 to 8 weeks |
Hollyhock
Grow hollyhocks from seed in Australia: when to sow in six climate zones, staking tall spikes, feeding, cutting for the vase and keeping hollyhock rust down.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers from 21 to 29 weeks |
Honesty
Grow honesty from seed in Australia: when to sow in six climate zones, why it flowers in its second spring, and how to dry the silver seed pods for vases.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm |
| First flowers | 8 to 14 months, autumn-sown |
Horseradish
How to grow horseradish in Australia: planting crowns and root cuttings in all six climate zones, keeping it contained, light feeding and winter digging.
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 3 cm, laid flat |
| Spacing | 30 to 50 cm |
| First pick | 30 weeks; mainly year two |
Hyacinth
Grow hyacinth bulbs in Australia: chilling in the fridge, depth and spacing, six-zone planting months, pots and forcing glasses, cut stems and toxic bulb care.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 12 cm deep |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm apart |
| First flowers | Late winter to spring, by zone |
Hyssop
Grow hyssop from seed in Australia: shallow sowing in warmth, full sun and sharp drainage, trimming, drying flowering tops, its history, safety and six zones.
Poisonous to people| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm at most |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowering tops from about 13 weeks |
Ice Plant
How to grow ice plant in Australia: sowing the dust-fine seed, pots, watering for plump salty leaves, picking shoot tips, and stopping it spreading as a weed.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; 1 mm at most |
| Spacing | 25 to 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves from 7 to 13 weeks |
Impatiens
Grow busy Lizzie and balsam from seed in Australia: sowing months for six zones, surface sowing, shade and sun, pots, deadheading, seed saving and downy mildew.
| Position | Busy Lizzie shade; balsam sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; balsam 6 mm |
| Spacing | 25 to 35 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers 8 to 12 weeks |
Ismene
Grow ismene, the Peruvian daffodil, in Australia: planting depth and months for six zones, pots, lifting bulbs before frost, pests, toxicity and weed lists.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Base 10 cm deep |
| Spacing | About 20 cm apart |
| First flowers | Flowers in summer, over about two weeks |
Ixia
Grow ixias in Australia: plant corms in autumn in full sun and free-draining soil, keep them dry over summer, and cut spent stems before they seed in bushland.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 cm deep |
| Spacing | 5 to 10 cm |
| First flowers | Sep to Dec, by zone |
Artichoke Jerusalem
Grow Jerusalem artichokes in Australia: when to plant tubers in all six zones, spacing, feeding, keeping the patch contained, and when to dig and store them.
| Position | Full sun; tolerates part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Tubers 10 cm deep |
| Spacing | 25 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 20 to 30 weeks, usually at autumn dieback |
Jiaogulan
Grow jiaogulan from seed in Australia: chipping the dormant seed, sowing, trellis, care, harvest, traditional history and safety across all six climate zones.
| Position | Part shade or morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Vines 2 to 3 m long |
Jonquil
Grow scented jonquils in every Australian zone: autumn planting months, bulb depth by climate, chilling for the tropics, care after flowering, pests and safety.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 18 cm, by climate |
| Spacing | 10 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | Midwinter to mid-spring, by district |
Kale
How to grow kale in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, netting out caterpillars, feeding, clubroot, and picking leaves for months on end.
| Position | Full sun, part shade tropics |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm |
| First pick | 7 to 10 weeks from sowing |
Kang Kong
How to grow kang kong (water spinach) in Australia: sowing months for six zones, growing in water or boggy soil, feeding, cutting, pests and safe containment.
| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm |
| First pick | From 4 weeks after sowing |
Kniphofia
Grow red hot pokers (Kniphofia) in Australia: when to plant crowns, the free-draining soil they need, cutting back, dividing clumps and weed status by state.
| Position | Full sun for best flowers |
|---|---|
| Depth | Crown at soil level |
| Spacing | 60 to 90 cm |
| First flowers | Late spring to autumn |
Kohl Rabi
How to grow kohl rabi in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, spacing, netting out caterpillars and picking the stems before they turn woody.
| Position | Full sun, shade when hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 10 weeks |
Komatsuna
How to grow komatsuna, or Japanese mustard spinach, in Australia: sowing months for six zones, spacing for baby leaf or whole plants, and caterpillar netting.
| Position | Full sun; shade when hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 mm |
| Spacing | 5 to 30 cm by use |
| First pick | Leaves from 3 weeks |
Korean Mint
How to grow Korean mint in Australia from seed: barely covered sowing, sunny free-draining beds, sowing months for six zones, cutting back and picking leaves.
| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, 1 to 2 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves from 12 to 14 weeks |
Lablab
How to grow lablab as a summer cover crop in Australia: sowing rate, depth and inoculant, when to slash and dig it in, and where it stands on state weed lists.
Raw seed harmful to people| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 30 to 50 mm |
| Spacing | 2 g per square metre |
| First pick | At first flower buds or before frost |
Lady's Mantle
How to grow lady's mantle from seed in Australia: the cold spell slow seed needs, sowing months for six climate zones, shade, cutting back and self-seeding.
| Position | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, 3 mm at most |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm |
| First pick | Flowers in the second year or later |
Lamb's Ear
Grow lamb's ear from seed in Australia: surface sowing, months for six climate zones, lean soil, watering that avoids rot, trimming, division and drying stems.
| Position | Full sun; afternoon shade in heat |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, press in |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm apart |
| First flowers | Leaves from about 23 weeks |
Larkspur
Grow larkspur from seed in Australia: autumn sowing months for six climate zones, chilling and covering seed, support, cutting, drying and safe handling.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe)| Position | Full sun, light afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 6 mm, covered |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 11 to 21 weeks |
Lavender
How to grow English lavender from seed in Australia: chilling the seed, sowing times for six climate zones, soil, pots, trimming, harvesting and drying flowers.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, 3 mm |
| Spacing | 30 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Second summer after sowing |
Lawtonberry
Grow Lawtonberry canes in Australia: winter planting in six climate zones, trellis, feeding, pruning fruited canes, picking, and blackberry weed laws by state.
| Position | Morning sun, afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Nursery soil mark; hole 10 to 15 cm deep |
| Spacing | 1.5 to 1.8 m apart |
| First pick | Second summer, Dec to Feb |
Leek
How to grow leeks from seed in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, deep planting, hilling for long white stems, feeding, pests and harvest.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, open position |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 15 cm, rows 30 cm |
| First pick | 14 to 26 weeks |
Lemon Balm
How to grow lemon balm in Australia from seed: surface sowing, part shade, pots, sowing months for six climate zones, cutting back, pests and picking leaves.
| Position | Sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, or 2 to 3 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 50 cm apart |
| First pick | 8 to 10 weeks from sowing |
Lemon Mint
How to grow lemon mint (lemon bee balm) in Australia: surface sowing, when to sow in all six zones, lean soil, deadheading, and cutting the leaves and flowers.
| Position | Full sun; tolerates part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; press in, do not cover |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowers 12 to 17 weeks |
Lemongrass
How to grow lemongrass in Australia from seed or greengrocer stalks: sowing warmth, sunny beds, pots for frosty areas, zone months, cutting back and harvest.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, 3 mm |
| Spacing | 60 to 90 cm |
| First pick | 10 to 16 weeks from sowing |
Lettuce
How to grow lettuce in Australia: sowing months by climate zone, cool-soil seed, watering for sweet leaves, thinning, cut-and-come-again picking and pests.
| Position | Full sun; summer afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 4 to 12 weeks |
Leucojum
Grow snowflakes (Leucojum) in Australia: plant bulbs in autumn, 5 to 10 cm deep, in moist soil and part shade, let the leaves wither, and keep bulbs from pets.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 cm deep |
| Spacing | 5 to 15 cm, by type |
| First flowers | Mar-May or Jul-Sep, by type |
Liatris
Grow liatris corms in Australia: planting depth and months for six zones, free-draining soil, pots, cutting and drying the spikes, pests and state weed lists.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 cm deep |
| Spacing | 30 to 38 cm apart |
| First flowers | About 10 to 13 weeks |
Lilium
Grow true lilies from bulbs in Australia: planting depth and timing for six zones, chilling, staking, feeding, cut flowers, pests and the danger to cats.
Harmful to cats (severe)| Position | Sun, with hot-afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 to 15 cm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | Late spring to late summer |
Lily Of The Valley
Grow lily of the valley in Australia: plant pips in winter in moist shade, chill them in mild districts, keep the spread in check and know it is poisonous.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe)| Position | Part to full shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Pip tip at soil level |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | Spring, after a slow first year |
Linaria
Grow linaria from seed in Australia: sowing months for all six zones, surface sowing, spacing, pots, deadheading, cutting posies, snails, aphids and mildew.
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface to 2 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | About 8 to 10 weeks |
Linseed Microgreens
Grow brown linseed shoots on a tray in Australia: the short soak, spreading the gel, misting without rinsing, cutting, storing, and the food safety notes.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Bright, indirect light |
|---|---|
| First pick | 10 to 14 days |
Livingstone Daisy
Grow Livingstone daisies from seed in Australia: autumn sowing by climate zone, sandy soil, sparing water, pots, snails and saving seed for the next carpet.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, lightly covered, 3 mm maximum |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | About 20 weeks to flower |
Lobelia
Grow lobelia from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, surface sowing, pots and baskets, trimming for more flowers, and pests to watch.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Part shade to full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, do not cover |
| Spacing | 10 to 20 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers in 13 to 14 weeks |
Loganberry
Grow loganberries in Australia: when to plant bare-root canes in six climate zones, building a wire trellis, feeding, pruning fruited canes and picking.
| Position | Sun, afternoon shade if hot |
|---|---|
| Depth | At the old soil mark |
| Spacing | 1.5 to 2.5 m apart |
| First pick | From the second summer |
Lovage
How to grow lovage in Australia from seed: sowing months for six climate zones, rich moist soil, pots, cutting back, pests, and harvesting leaves and seed.
| Position | Sun, or afternoon shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 mm |
| Spacing | 60 cm to 1 m |
| First pick | Lightly from about 15 to 17 weeks |
Lycoris
Grow golden and red spider lilies in Australia: plant Lycoris bulbs in late summer with the neck at the surface, keep them dry in summer, cut stems in autumn.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Neck level with soil surface |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm apart |
| First flowers | Late summer to autumn |
Maca
How to grow maca in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, germinating seed, thinning, even watering, and lifting the roots at 3 to 5 cm across.
| Position | Full sun, cool months |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface to 5 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm |
| First pick | 26 to 39 weeks |
Malabar Spinach
Grow Malabar spinach in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, seed soaking, trellis and soil, feeding, picking shoot tips and the pests to watch.
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 10 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First pick | From about 8 weeks |
Manuka
Grow manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) from seed in Australia: surface sowing, six-zone months, low-phosphorus feeding, trimming, myrtle rust and weed status.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, press in |
| Spacing | 1 to 2 m |
| First flowers | Can flower from the second year |
Marigold
Grow marigolds in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, French, African and signet types, pots, deadheading, pests and picking the edible petals.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 3 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 45 cm |
| First flowers | 8 to 12 weeks |
Marshmallow
How to grow marsh mallow in Australia from seed: waking slow seed, damp sunny sites, sowing months for six zones, care, root harvest, history and safety.
| Position | Full sun; part shade inland |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, barely covered |
| Spacing | 45 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Roots after two years |
Meadowsweet
How to grow meadowsweet from seed in Australia: chilling and surface sowing, wet soil, pots, all six climate zones, care, cutting, history and safety notes.
| Position | Sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, barely covered |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowers from second summer |
Mesclun
How to grow mesclun in Australia: sow a salad mix thickly in the cool months, keep it moist, cut it 2.5 cm above the soil and let it regrow, in all six zones.
| Position | Full sun; afternoon shade in heat |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 5 mm |
| Spacing | Thin to 2 to 3 cm |
| First pick | First cut at 4 to 6 weeks |
Mibuna
Grow mibuna in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, soil and feeding, thinning, cut-and-come-again picking, pots, pests and how to delay bolting.
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 40 cm |
| First pick | 4 to 8 weeks |
Microgreen Mix
Grow Microgreen Mix on a kitchen tray in Australia: sowing the seed dry, the cover, light, watering from below, cutting a mixed tray, storing and food safety.
| Position | Dark until up, then bright |
|---|---|
| First pick | About 12 to 28 days |
Mint
How to grow mint in Australia: sowing times by climate zone, surface sowing, pots that stop the runners, cutting back, harvesting sprigs, rust and pennyroyal.
Pennyroyal harmful to people and pets| Position | Part shade or full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sown, not covered |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 12 weeks |
Minutina
How to grow minutina, or erba stella, in Australia: when to sow in all six climate zones, sowing depth, spacing, pots, watering, cutting and storing the leaves.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 to 6 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 15 cm apart |
| First pick | About 7 weeks from sowing |
Mitsuba
How to grow mitsuba (Japanese wild parsley) in Australia: shade, shallow sowing, when to sow in all six zones, bolt management, and cutting leaves and stalks.
| Position | Part shade to bright shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Barely covered, about 3 mm |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm apart |
| First pick | 7 to 9 weeks from sowing |
Mizuna
How to grow mizuna in Australia: sowing months for six zones, spacing for baby leaf or full clumps, pots, cutting so it regrows, and stopping early flowering.
| Position | Full sun; light shade in heat |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 10 to 40 cm |
| First pick | 3 to 7 weeks |
Moldavian Dragonhead
How to grow Moldavian dragonhead in Australia: sowing months for all six zones, surface sowing for light, pots, cutting, drying, history and safety facts.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; press in, do not cover |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 11 to 13 weeks |
Moonflower
Grow moonflower from seed in Australia: nicking and soaking, sowing months for six zones, trellis training, weed status by state and its poisonous seeds.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 15 mm, nicked and soaked |
| Spacing | 30 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers from about 10 weeks |
Moringa
How to grow moringa from seed in Australia: soaking and sowing, warmth, pruning and coppicing, picking leaves and pods, weed status by state and zone months.
Root harmful to people| Position | Full sun, warm and sheltered |
|---|---|
| Depth | 1 to 2 cm |
| Spacing | 80 cm to 2.5 m |
| First pick | Leaf tips once the tree is about 1.3 m |
Morning Glory
Grow morning glory from seed in Australia: soaking hard seed, sowing months for six climate zones, trellis training, light feeding, seed safety and weed status.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 12 to 15 mm |
| Spacing | 30 cm |
| First flowers | About 16 weeks to first flowers |
Motherwort
How to grow motherwort from seed in Australia: germinating the seed, sowing depth, planting months for six zones, care, deadheading, history and safety facts.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, covered to 3 mm |
| Spacing | 50 cm apart |
| First pick | Flowering stems in summer, from 70 to 80 days |
Mountain Mint
How to grow mountain mint (Balkan mint) in Australia from seed: surface sowing, lean, free-draining soil, sowing months for six zones, trimming and picking.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow; needs light |
| Spacing | 20 to 25 cm apart |
| First pick | Sprigs from 10 to 14 weeks |
Mugwort
Grow mugwort and yomogi from seed in Australia: surface sowing in light, containing the rhizomes, cutting back, drying leaves, history, safety and six zones.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe for people)| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; do not cover |
| Spacing | 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves from about 12 weeks |
Mullein
Grow common and Greek mullein from seed in Australia: surface sowing in warmth, lean sunny beds, deadheading before seed, history, safety and six climate zones.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; press in, uncovered |
| Spacing | 60 cm apart |
| First pick | Leaves in year one; flowers the next summer |
Mung Bean Sprouts
Grow crisp mung bean sprouts in a jar in Australia: how many beans, soaking, rinsing in the dark, floating off hulls, storage, food safety and common problems.
| Position | Dark spot, out of sun |
|---|---|
| First pick | 3 to 5 days |
Mustard
How to grow mustard greens in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, soil, water, thinning, picking, pests, and how to keep the leaves mild, not fiery.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 5 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 45 cm by type |
| First pick | 3 to 8 weeks; stem mustard about 17 weeks |
Nasturtium
Grow nasturtiums in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, soaking seed, lean soil, pots, deadheading, pests, and picking edible flowers and seed pods.
| Position | Full sun; afternoon shade in heat |
|---|---|
| Depth | 12 to 15 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 10 to 12 weeks |
Nerine
Grow nerines in Australia: plant bulbs in summer with the neck above the soil, keep them dry while resting, leave clumps crowded and cut pink autumn flowers.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun or morning sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Neck at or above soil |
| Spacing | 5 to 10 cm |
| First flowers | Autumn, as first flowers open |
Nettle
Grow stinging nettle from seed in Australia: surface sowing in light, keeping runners contained, cutting back, picking young tops safely, history and six zones.
Harmful to dogs| Position | Sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface; 2 mm at most |
| Spacing | 30 to 45 cm apart |
| First pick | Young tops from 11 to 13 weeks |
Nigella
Grow love-in-a-mist (nigella) from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, depth, pots, deadheading, and cutting and drying the seed pods.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm |
| Spacing | About 30 cm |
| First flowers | 12 to 16 weeks |
Oat Grass
Grow oat grass on a tray in Australia: the short soak hulless oats need, sowing, watering from below, when to cut, storing, food safety and coeliac advice.
| Position | Bright, indirect light |
|---|---|
| First pick | 6 to 10 days |
Okra
Grow okra in Australia: sowing months for all six climate zones, soaking seed, spacing, light feeding, cotton bollworm and other pests, and when to pick pods.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 15 to 20 mm |
| Spacing | 40 to 60 cm apart |
| First pick | 8 to 14 weeks from sowing |
Onion
How to grow bulb onions from seed in Australia: short, intermediate and long-day types for your zone, sowing months, weeding, feeding, harvest and curing.
Harmful to cats and dogs| Position | Full sun, six hours or more |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 5 mm |
| Spacing | 10 cm apart |
| First pick | 24 to 34 weeks |
Oregano
How to grow oregano in Australia from seed: surface sowing, lean sunny soil, pots, sowing months for six climate zones, trimming, pests and drying the sprigs.
| Position | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, or barely covered |
| Spacing | 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Once established; best just before flowering |
Pansy
Grow pansies from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, dark germination, spacing, pots, deadheading, edible flowers and the pests to watch.
| Position | Full sun in cool months |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 6 mm, kept dark |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 16 to 17 weeks from sowing |
Parsley
How to grow parsley in Australia: sowing times for all six climate zones, depth and spacing, pots, flat-leaf, curled and Hamburg types, and picking for months.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First pick | 10 to 12 weeks |
Parsnip
How to grow parsnips in Australia: fresh seed, sowing months for all six climate zones, deep loose soil, thinning, even watering, frost-sweet harvest and pests.
| Position | Full sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | Thin to 8 to 15 cm |
| First pick | 17 to 26 weeks |
Passionfruit
Grow passionfruit from seed in Australia: scarifying and sowing, six climate zones, trellis training, feeding, pollination, pests and knowing when it is ripe.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6 to 10 mm |
| Spacing | 2 to 4 m apart |
| First pick | 12 to 24 months from sowing |
Pea Shoots
Grow 'Kaspa' pea shoots on a tray in Australia: the soak, pre-sprouting, sowing under a weighted cover, watering, a second cut, storing and sprout food safety.
| Position | Dark, then bright indirect |
|---|---|
| First pick | 10 to 16 days |
Peacock Iris
Grow peacock iris in Australia: plant corms in autumn in sun and free-draining soil, water in winter, keep them dry in summer and cut stems before they seed.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 cm deep |
| Spacing | 10 cm apart |
| First flowers | Jul to Oct, by zone |
Peanut
Grow peanuts in Australia: sowing months for all six zones, loose soil for the pegs, gypsum for full pods, steady water to digging, and lifting and curing.
Mouldy kernels harmful to people and pets| Position | Full sun, warmest bed |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 to 5 cm |
| Spacing | 15 to 20 cm |
| First pick | 16 to 24 weeks |
Pea
How to grow peas in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, trellis and support, watering, picking snow peas and sugar snaps, and pea mildew control.
| Position | Full sun, cool weather |
|---|---|
| Depth | 20 to 50 mm |
| Spacing | 5 to 15 cm |
| First pick | 8 to 14 weeks |
Penstemon
Grow penstemons from seed in Australia: when to sow in six climate zones, sowing depth, free-draining soil, pots, deadheading, cut spikes and beating crown rot.
| Position | Full sun, six hours plus |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 mm, lightly covered |
| Spacing | 30 to 40 cm |
| First flowers | From 12 weeks; often second summer |
Peony
Grow peonies in Australia: plant bare-root crowns in autumn with the eyes shallow, pick a cold-winter spot, stake, disbud, cut blooms and check weed status.
| Position | Full sun, sheltered from wind |
|---|---|
| Depth | Eyes 2 to 3 cm deep |
| Spacing | 90 cm to 1 m |
| First flowers | Late spring, from year two |
Petunia
Grow petunias from seed in Australia: surface sowing, months for six climate zones, pots and baskets, pinching, deadheading, budworm and grey mould control.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sow, uncovered |
| Spacing | About 30 cm |
| First flowers | Flowers 11 to 14 weeks from sowing |
Phacelia
How to grow phacelia in Australia: sowing times for all six climate zones, why the seed must be covered, feeding bees, and cutting it as a cover crop for soil.
| Position | Full sun or light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5 to 6 mm, covered |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 cm, or scattered |
| First pick | Flowers in 6 to 13 weeks |
Phlox
Grow annual phlox from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, covering seed for darkness, spacing, pots, deadheading and the pests to watch.
| Position | Full sun, copes with part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 mm, fully covered |
| Spacing | 15 to 25 cm |
| First flowers | About 10 to 13 weeks from sowing |
Pineapple Lily
Grow pineapple lily bulbs (Eucomis) in Australia: spring planting depth and spacing, six-zone months, summer water, winter rest, pots and long vase life.
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Tip at or below soil |
| Spacing | 25 to 30 cm apart |
| First flowers | Late summer to autumn, by zone |
Plantain
Grow ribwort plantain from seed in Australia: surface sowing, lean sunny ground, cutting spikes before seed ripens, picking young leaves, history and safety.
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface, or 2 mm at most |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm apart |
| First pick | Young leaves once rosettes have 8 or more |
Poppy
Grow poppies from seed in Australia: autumn sowing months for six climate zones, Flanders, Shirley and Iceland types, pots, cut flowers and the pests to watch.
Poisonous to people, cats and dogs (severe for people)| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | 1 to 3 mm |
| Spacing | 20 to 30 cm |
| First flowers | 20 to 24 weeks |
Portulaca
Grow portulaca, or moss rose, from seed in Australia: sowing months for six climate zones, surface sowing, sun, drainage, pots, deadheading and pests.
| Position | Full sun, 6 hours minimum |
|---|---|
| Depth | Surface sown, 1 mm cover |
| Spacing | 15 to 25 cm |
| First flowers | First flowers 6 to 7 weeks |
No guides match.