Lexi Webster
Autumn is the perfect time to plant vegetables and flowers in Australia. The rains have arrived, and the soil is still warm from the summer sun, creating the perfect conditions for new plants to take root. If you're looking to add some colour to your garden, consider planting flowers such as daisies, pansies, and petunias. For those who enjoy herbs and vegetables, autumn is a great time to plant root vegetables like garlic and carrots, as well as leafy greens such as spinach and kale. Broccoli, peas, and cabbage can be planted in late September or early October, and citrus fruit trees like lemon, lime, and orange will also thrive in the autumn months. With a little care and attention, your autumn garden will be a success!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Peas, Beetroot, Lettuce, Chinese Cabbage, Spinach, Broad Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Onion, Radish, Spring Onion, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Carrots, Parsnips, Potato, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato |
| Fruits | Lemon, Lime, Orange, Tomato, Cucumber, Zucchini, Capsicum, Eggplant, Melon, Rosella, Squash |
| Herbs | Basil, Chervil, Chicory, Coriander, Fennel, Garlic, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rocket, Sage, Sorrel, Rosemary, Thyme, Winter Tarragon, Yarrow |
| Flowers | Daisies, Pansies, Petunias, Poppies, Sweet Peas, Camellias |
| Other | Deciduous trees, Bottlebrush, Correa |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetables: broccoli, peas, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower
Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be grown in Australia during autumn and winter in warm areas, and in summer in temperate and cool areas. It is recommended to raise your own seedlings in trays or punnets rather than sowing seeds directly into the ground or a pot. Sow seeds 6mm deep into trays or punnets of potting mix, firm down and water gently. Keep the seedling tray or punnet in a sunny, warm spot and keep the soil moist. Broccoli seedlings will take 6–10 days to emerge and will be ready for transplanting once they are around 7cm high. Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunshine daily and is protected from strong winds. Space each seedling 30–40cm apart, and protect them from snails and slugs, which are a major threat to young broccoli plants.
Peas
Peas are legumes that produce their own nitrogen, but they also require other nutrients such as potassium. They are a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 15–20°C. There are climbing varieties such as Snow Peas and Sugar Snap Peas, and dwarf varieties such as Greenfeast and Earlicrop Massey. Climbing peas require a trellis, pyramid, or teepee, while dwarf peas may benefit from low support. Choose a pot at least 40–50cm wide and 20cm deep, and fill it with a quality potting mix. Peas are ready to start picking from eight weeks after sowing.
Kale
Kale is a popular vegetable that is easy to grow in garden beds or pots. It thrives in cold weather and is suitable for all climatic zones. It grows best in moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5–6.5. If growing in a pot, choose one at least 30cm in diameter and fill it with a quality potting mix. As young kale plants grow, feed them with a fertiliser high in nitrogen to encourage lush, leafy green growth. Regularly water the plants to ensure the soil remains moist. Kale is prone to cabbage aphids, so treat at the first sign of an infestation.
Cabbage
Cabbage can be sown at any time of year, but the firmest heads come from cabbage planted after Christmas for autumn, winter, and spring harvests. Cabbage can go to seed quickly in hot weather, so it is important to pick cabbages as soon as the head starts to elongate. Cabbage is susceptible to pests such as the cabbage white butterfly, which first appeared in Australia in 1939 and has since become a major pest of cabbage crops. The larvae of these butterflies feed on the leaves of the cabbage plant.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cool-season crop that can be planted in autumn or early winter. There are several varieties to choose from, including Snowball, Graffiti, Mini or Baby Cauliflower, and Romanesco. Both seeds and seedlings can be used to grow cauliflower, but it is important to prepare the soil before transplanting seedlings into your garden.
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Herbs: chervil, chicory, coriander, fennel, and garlic
Chervil is a delicate annual herb with a flavour that combines parsley and liquorice. It is a great herb to grow in a windowsill garden to protect it from the hot Australian summer sun. If growing outdoors, provide some shade to protect the herb from the harsh afternoon sun. Chervil is likely to bolt during summer, so try to cut the flowers before they bloom to prolong the harvest season. Choose a part-shade spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Sow seeds directly, planting them in clumps of 2-3 seeds at 25 cm intervals. Cover them lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well. Water regularly. Once seedlings emerge, thin them out and feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food. Harvest by regularly snipping the leaves, which will also help encourage leafier growth. Sow successive crops every 2 weeks to extend your harvest window. Choose a pot at least 300 mm wide and deep and position in part shade.
Chicory is a resilient and flavourful plant that combines culinary pleasure with health benefits. By understanding the nuances of cultivation, from seed selection to harvesting, you can enjoy a continuous supply of this versatile leafy green.
Coriander, also known as cilantro in some countries, is a popular herb grown for its green leaves and spicy seeds. Coriander is a must-have for salads and as a fragrant addition to Indian, Thai, and Chinese curries. The seeds are vital in curry powder, and the stalks and roots are tasty when thoroughly washed and finely chopped. Coriander requires very little equipment to grow. It prefers a cool position outdoors with light shade and well-drained soil. Young plants are usually available from garden centres in spring and summer. You can plant these out or pot them into slightly larger pots. When sowing outdoors, thin seedlings out to 5-7.5 cm apart. If you specifically want to grow coriander for its seeds, plant them 20-25 cm apart. Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater, especially in autumn and winter, as too much water can cause the roots to rot. Give coriander plants a light liquid feed of fertiliser every couple of weeks during late spring and summer. This will help ensure a constant supply of leaves. Do not use high-potash fertilisers as these will encourage premature flowering. If coriander plants become stressed, they will run to seed quickly, and the leaves will lose their flavour once flowering begins. Slugs and snails will feed on young coriander seedlings, so check plants at night and remove these pests by hand. Covering the soil around plants with crushed eggshells or grit may help deter slugs and snails. Scatter snail and slug pellets if other methods are inadequate. Aphids are sap-sucking insects that can quickly infest young plants, stunting their growth. Wipe off small colonies of aphids with a damp cloth. Encourage natural predators like ladybirds and hoverflies. Pesticide sprays are available for aphid infestations, but make sure they are suitable for use on edible plants. Bolting occurs when coriander plants produce flowers and set seed early, before you have had the chance to harvest the leaves and stalks. As they are annuals, the plants will die once they have set seed.
Fennel grows in all climates and is usually planted in spring in cooler regions and autumn in warmer areas. If you've had problems with fennel bolting to seed, try growing it in your coolest months. It's easiest to grow fennel from seeds sown directly into the ground. The bulbs will be ready to harvest in 14-20 weeks, depending on your climate. While you wait for the bulbs to mature, the fine fronds can be harvested as needed to garnish or flavour dishes. Choose a full sun position and improve the soil before planting by adding compost or Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver. Fennel seedlings can be thinned to 20-25 cm apart as they grow. Fennel is not typically recommended for growing in pots because you won't be able to fit many plants in a pot. However, if you must grow it in pots, choose a large and long trough-style planter, and you might be able to fit 6-8 plants. Fill the pot with Scotts Osmocote Plus Organics Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Potting Mix, and thinly sprinkle the seeds on the surface. Cover lightly with more potting mix and keep them moist while they germinate.
Garlic is easy to grow and a great way to ensure you have a fresh, chemical-free crop to enjoy throughout the year. The best time to plant garlic in Australia is early autumn. This allows enough time for plump bulbs to develop before warm weather arrives. Garlic can be harvested around eight months after planting. To promote healthy leaf growth and plump bulbs, feed the plants every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Plant individual garlic cloves 2-5 cm deep and 10-20 cm apart, with the pointy end up. Purchase garlic bulbs from your local nursery to ensure they're virus and disease-free. Supermarket garlic may be treated with a sprouting inhibitor and may not grow. There are two main types of garlic: hard and soft neck. Hardneck varieties are better suited to cool to cold areas, while softneck varieties grow best in temperate and warmer climates.
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Flowers: daisies, pansies, petunias, poppies, and lavender
Daisies
There are several varieties of daisies that can be grown in Australian gardens, such as everlasting daisies, which are native to Australia and can bloom for several months, and shasta daisies, which have white petals and bright yellow centres. Everlasting daisies should be planted in spring or autumn, while shasta daisies should be planted in early spring or late summer.
Pansies
Pansies are not difficult to grow and can add a punch of colour to your autumn garden. They thrive in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil that's been amended with organic matter. They require at least partial sun and steady moisture. Space them 6 to 12 inches apart and plant them in a new location every other year to avoid root rot.
Petunias
Petunias are easy to grow and can be grown year-round in warm areas of Australia. They are heat and humidity tolerant but not frost tolerant, so wait until the threat of frost has passed before planting. They need at least six hours of full sun each day, but in extreme heat, move them to partial shade. They are prone to disease in continually wet weather. To promote flowering, pinch the seedlings back and deadhead spent blooms.
Poppies
Poppies should be planted in late autumn, ideally in April, so they flower in late winter and spring. They need lots of water and full sun. They grow well in the ground but can also be planted in containers if space is tight. For a spectacular show, plant poppies en masse.
Lavender
Lavender is drought-tolerant but will be healthier if watered regularly. Feed regularly from spring to autumn with fertiliser to promote healthy growth and lots of flowers. Once flowering has finished each year, cut the plants back by one-third to promote fresh growth and more flowers. French lavender is a good choice for growing in Australia, as it grows well in temperate to cool climates with mild frosts and warm, humid climates.
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Trees: bottlebrush, citrus fruit trees, and deciduous trees
Bottlebrush
The bottlebrush is a hardy and attractive shrub that grows well in most temperate parts of Australia. It is widely cultivated and can grow up to 5 metres tall. This plant is characterised by its bright red flower spikes, which are very rich in nectar and attract many birds. Bottlebrushes grow best in moist, well-drained soils and full sun, making them excellent for hot, dry areas. They can also withstand heavy pruning if required and are drought-resistant. The best time to plant bottlebrushes is in autumn, as this will give them time to establish themselves before the hot summer months.
Citrus Fruit Trees
Citrus fruit trees are a popular choice for Australian gardens due to the country's optimal growing conditions. These trees can be grown in both pots and gardens, as long as they have sufficient sunlight and are planted in quick-draining soil. When properly cared for, citrus trees will start producing fruit about two years after planting. The best time to plant citrus trees depends on the climate. In cooler areas, it is recommended to wait until spring, while in warmer regions, autumn is ideal. Washington Navel Orange, Emperor Mandarin, Tahitian Limes, and Lemon Eureka are some popular varieties.
Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are a great addition to any Australian garden, offering a new look with each changing season. Autumn is an excellent time to plant these trees as the warm soil promotes root growth, ensuring a vibrant display in spring. Some recommended varieties include Parrotia persica, which boasts a light orange hue in autumn, and Ornamental Pears, with their stunning reds, maroons, and oranges. Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Blaze’ and Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ are also spectacular choices for lipstick maples. For a tree that shines in winter, try Coral Bark maple for its crimson red stems or Betula Moss White for its striking white bark.
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Root vegetables: carrots, parsnips, and garlic
Carrots
Carrots are one of the easier vegetables to grow in Australia, and autumn is one of the best times to plant them. They can be grown from seeds or seedlings, although seeds are more common. When planting seeds, be careful not to plant them too deep as they will not germinate. Carrots grow best in soil that has been "used" by other vegetables the previous season without further feeding. They also dislike high-nitrogen fertilisers. For extra sweet and healthy carrots, apply SeaMax Seaweed every other week. If aphids are a problem, spray with Searles Bug Beater Natural Pyrethrum Spray or hose them off.
Parsnips
Parsnips grow well in the southern parts of Australia, where the climate is cooler, such as Melbourne, Adelaide, and Tasmania. They grow more slowly than carrots and beetroot, and are typically harvested starting in March. Parsnip seeds should be sown about 1 cm deep and will take about three weeks to germinate. Parsnips store well in the fridge, but can also be frozen.
Garlic
Garlic is a rewarding crop to grow in Australia, although it requires patience as it can take up to eight months to mature. The best time to plant garlic is early autumn, which gives the bulbs time to develop before the warm weather arrives. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Softneck garlic, which includes varieties like Italian Red, Italian Pink, and Australian White, is ideal for growing in warm climates. Plant individual garlic cloves 2-5 cm deep and 10-20 cm apart, with the pointy end up. To promote healthy leaf growth and plump bulbs, feed the plants every 1-2 weeks with liquid plant food.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetables that can be planted in autumn in Australia include broccoli, peas, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, parsnips, and garlic.
Flowers that can be planted in autumn in Australia include sweet peas, camellias, daisies, pansies, petunias, and poppies.
Herbs that can be planted in autumn in Australia include chervil, chicory, coriander, fennel, lavender, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Fruits that can be planted in autumn in Australia include citrus trees such as lemon, lime, and orange.
Other types of plants that can be grown in autumn in Australia include bottlebrush, Correa, and deciduous trees.
