What to Grow in Autumn Across Australia
Autumn is the best planting season in most of Australia. Here's what goes in the ground now, region by region.
While the rest of the gardening world slows down in autumn, Australian gardens wake up. In subtropical and tropical regions, autumn is when the humidity finally breaks and you can plant almost anything. In temperate regions, autumn is the window for cool-season crops that thrive through winter. In every climate, it's the season to get things in the ground.
This is not a generic list. Use the region picker below to see what's actually in season for your climate right now.
What to Plant This Autumn in Your Region
Why Autumn Planting Works So Well in Australia
Most gardening advice comes from the Northern Hemisphere, where autumn means the end of the growing season. In Australia, autumn is the opposite. The soil is still warm from summer (perfect for germination), temperatures are dropping into a comfortable range, rainfall is increasing in most regions, and pest pressure drops dramatically as insect populations wind down.
In subtropical regions like SEQ, Northern Rivers, and Sydney, autumn is arguably the best planting month of the year. Summer's humidity and extreme heat have passed, but soil temperatures are still well above what cool-season crops need to germinate. You can plant almost every vegetable category from March through May.
Autumn Planting by Climate Zone
Tropical regions (Darwin, North QLD)
The wet season ends and the dry season begins. Temperatures drop from brutal to pleasant. This is when you plant everything that was impossible in the wet: tomatoes, capsicum, beans, cucumbers, and all your leafy greens. Don't wait. The dry season window closes again by September.
Subtropical regions (SEQ, Northern Rivers)
Plant everything. Seriously. Autumn in subtropical Australia is the season where the widest variety of crops can go in the ground. Cool-season crops (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) go in alongside warm-season holdovers (tomatoes, chilli, eggplant). Garlic goes in around Easter.
Warm temperate regions (Sydney, Perth, Adelaide)
The transition season. Get your broad beans, peas, and garlic in by April. Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, rocket) thrive through autumn and winter. Onions and leeks planted now will be ready by late spring.
Cool temperate regions (Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra)
You're racing against frost. Get frost-hardy crops in the ground by mid-April: broad beans, peas, garlic, onions. Leafy greens under cloche or cold frame will produce all winter. Kale actually improves in flavour after a frost.
Top 10 Autumn Crops for Every Region
- Garlic — Plant at Easter in most regions. The single most rewarding autumn crop. Needs cold months to develop bulbs.
- Broad beans — Nitrogen-fixing powerhouse. Frost hardy to -5°C. Plant March to May depending on region.
- Peas — Including sugar snap peas and snow peas. Love cool weather. Direct sow into garden beds.
- Broccoli — Transplant seedlings in March or April. Harvests through winter. Side shoots keep producing after the main head is cut.
- Spinach — Perpetual spinach (silverbeet) and true spinach both thrive in autumn and winter. Cut-and-come-again harvesting.
- Lettuce — Direct sow every 2 to 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Autumn lettuce is sweet and slow to bolt.
- Carrots — Direct sow into loose soil. Autumn-sown carrots develop sweetness through winter cold.
- Onions — Plant seedlings or sets in April for a late spring harvest. Long-day varieties for southern regions.
- Kale — One of the hardiest crops in the garden. Plant once and harvest leaves all winter and spring.
- Cauliflower — Transplant seedlings in March. Needs consistent moisture and rich soil. Blanch the heads by tying leaves over them.
Herbs to Plant in Autumn
Autumn is perfect for establishing herbs that struggle in summer heat. Coriander finally stops bolting, parsley puts on lush growth, and dill seeds germinate reliably in the still-warm soil. Chives and lemon balm establish strong root systems through winter for a spring explosion.
See Your Full Autumn Calendar
The Planting Season app shows you exactly what to plant this week in your region, with reminders and tracking.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables grow best in autumn in Australia?
The best autumn vegetables across Australia include garlic, broad beans, peas, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, carrots, onions, kale, and cauliflower. In subtropical and tropical regions, you can also plant tomatoes, capsicum, and beans in autumn.
What herbs can I plant in autumn?
Autumn is ideal for coriander, parsley, dill, chives, lemon balm, and mint. These herbs thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days. Coriander is especially good because it stops bolting to seed in the cooler weather.
Is it too late to plant in May?
Not for most crops in subtropical and warm-temperate regions. In cool-temperate regions (Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra), May is the last chance for frost-hardy crops like broad beans, peas, garlic, and leafy greens. Get them in before the soil gets too cold for germination.
What is the best month to plant vegetables in autumn?
March and April are the best autumn planting months for most of Australia. Soil is still warm enough for reliable germination, pest pressure is dropping, and crops have time to establish before winter cold arrives.
