Lexi Webster
Australia's diverse climate zones offer a wide range of options for summer gardening. From the tropical zones along the east coastline to the arid climate of the inland regions, there is something for everyone. For those in warm temperate zones, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, a variety of vegetables and fruits can be grown. If you're looking to grow your own food, summer favourites include sweet corn, tomatoes, beans, and squash. For a sweet treat, try strawberries or pumpkins. To make the most of the warm weather, prepare your soil with thick mulch to keep the plant's root system cool and add nutrients as the mulch rots.
What Plants to Grow in Summer in Australia
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | Tropical, Sub-tropical, Arid, Warm Temperate, Cool |
| Recommended Plants | Corn, Beans, Pumpkins, Squash, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Spinach, Eggplants, Okra, Zucchini, Chillies, Capsicum, Asian Greens, Beetroot, Radishes, Carrots |
| Planting Time | April, May |
| Harvest Time | December, January, February |
| Gardening Tips | Mulching, Frost-proofing, Well-prepared Soil, Regular Watering, Seedling Care |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetables: sweetcorn, tomatoes, beans, and squash
Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn is a summer crop that thrives in the heat. Prepare the soil by adding compost, composted manure, slow-release organic fertiliser, and blood and bone. Mulch the soil with a thick layer to retain moisture in the soil during the hot summer. Sweetcorn can be sown directly or into seedling trays. Sow the seeds in full sun in September and monitor for pest and disease damage. Sweet corn takes between 70 to 100 days to be ready for harvesting. To check if the corn is ready for harvest, look for dry and brown husks at the end of the corn cob.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are easy to grow and can be grown in all climate zones in Australia. Spring is a great time to start growing tomatoes, and they can be sown into pots or garden beds. Choose a spot in full sun that receives at least six hours of sun a day, in a well-drained garden bed or pot. Depending on the climate and variety, tomatoes will be ready to harvest 10 to 12 weeks after planting.
Beans
Beans are easy to grow and produce a lot of beans. They are climbers, so they are great if you have limited space. Beans require full sun but provide temporary shade in super-hot, dry, and windy weather. Beans can grow up to 2m high, so they need support. A wire trellis, fence lines, or frames can be used to prop them up. Beans are typically ready to harvest between 10 to 14 weeks after planting. Pick bean pods when they are young and tender for the best taste.
Squash
Squash is a fast-growing fruit that will flourish within 6 to 7 weeks of planting. The best time of year to plant squash is in late spring or early summer (November to January) as they require plenty of direct sunlight. Squash plants require well-drained soil and regular watering, focusing on the soil surrounding the plant rather than the leaves. To ensure a good harvest, hand pollinate by picking the male flowers and rubbing the male anther inside the female flower. Harvest frequently to encourage the growth of more fruit.
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Fruits: strawberries, cucumbers, pumpkins, and nectarines
Australia's diverse climate means that what grows well in one area may not suit another. However, here is some general advice for growing strawberries, cucumbers, pumpkins, and nectarines in Australia during the summer.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a great fruit to grow in Australia and can be grown in hanging baskets or pots, which allow them to be easily relocated. They do well in slightly acidic soil (pH of 6–6.5) with a thick layer of mulch. They prefer a spot with good air circulation and should be kept moist but not soaked. Water them regularly, but ease up on the watering when you see the first fruits to improve their flavour.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers can be grown in pots or directly in the soil once it is warm enough. Choose from the three main varieties grown in Australia: Lebanese, Continental, or Apple. When planting in the garden, choose a warm, sunny, sheltered spot and prepare the soil by digging in potting mix or soil improver. Scatter fertiliser over the soil and rake it in. Plant seedlings about 90 cm apart and water well. To encourage fruiting, pinch out the new leaves at the tips of growing shoots when the main stem has produced seven leaves.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins can be grown year-round in warm climates and in spring to early summer in temperate and cool climates. Sow the seeds in small mounds of soil about 1 metre apart or in pots, and water well. Keep the soil moist, especially in hot or windy weather, and water around the root zone to reduce the chance of fungal diseases. Feed your pumpkin plants every six to eight weeks with fertiliser. Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the vine dies off and the stalk is hard and brown.
Nectarines
Nectarine trees can be grown in the garden or in pots, but it may take three to four years for them to produce fruit. Feed your tree in autumn, early spring, and summer with fertiliser. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. To determine if the fruit is ready for harvest, gently press on it; if it gives slightly and has a fragrant aroma, it is ripe.
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Climate zones: arid, warm temperate, and cool
Australia has six climate zones: equatorial, tropical, subtropical, arid, grassland, and temperate. The arid zone, occupying the dry heartlands of Australia, experiences very high summer temperatures and extremely high evaporation rates. The northern arid zone has mild winters, while the southern zone has cold winters. The southern areas can be quite cold, with an average annual minimum temperature of -5°C and some frost. To protect plants from extreme temperatures, gardeners in arid zones should install shade cloth over their gardens. A ready supply of artificial water is also essential.
The cool/mountain zone experiences mild or warm summers and cold winters with frosts from June to September. The average annual minimum temperature ranges from -5°C to 0°C. The zone includes higher elevation areas of the Northern Tablelands of NSW, much of the Southern Tablelands, the Australian Highlands and Alps in the Snowy Mountains of NSW and Victoria, Canberra and the ACT, and most of Tasmania. In these cool zones, the key to success is protecting plants from the hot summers these areas can experience. This involves providing afternoon shade to prevent leaf burn and shelter from hot, dry winds. Many cool climate plants also need extra water, especially in spring and during hot, dry summers. Deciduous trees such as maples and golden ash develop vibrant autumn colours, while blossom trees, including prunus, and deciduous shrubs such as flowering quince and mock orange, produce beautiful displays of spring flowers. The smoke bush is a tall deciduous shrub that thrives in both cold winters and warm summers.
The warm temperate zone includes the eastern seaboard of Australia, from Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay in NSW, into Queensland from Brisbane to Rockhampton. It also includes coastal areas of Western Australia, from Geraldton to Carnarvon. The climate is mild throughout the year, with low winter rainfall and generally reliable summer rainfall. These conditions are ideal for growing most vegetables. Despite the warm temperatures, gardeners can still grow 'temperate-style' vegetables in winter, switching to tropical varieties in spring to grow over summer. Victoria's temperate climate allows for a diverse range of plants, especially those that prefer cooler summer temperatures.
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Flowers: marigolds, chrysanthemums, and dahlias
Marigolds, chrysanthemums, and dahlias are all flowering plants that can be grown in Australia during the summer. Here is some more information on how to grow them successfully:
Marigolds
Marigolds are not native to Australia, but they have become a popular choice for Australian gardeners due to their vibrant colours and ability to deter pests. They are also known for their tolerance of poor soils and dry conditions, making them ideal for the Australian climate, particularly in tropical zones. The best time to plant marigolds is in spring or early summer to give them time to establish themselves before the hot summer sun. They can be grown from seeds or transplants, but it is important to wait until the danger of frost has passed. Marigolds thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and can be planted directly into the ground or started in pots. Signet marigolds are also easy to grow and are known for their drought tolerance. French marigolds, on the other hand, produce large, showy flowers in a variety of colours, including yellow, orange, and red.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are versatile flowers that can be grown in almost any soil type, except clay or sandy soil. They thrive with good drainage and regular watering during the summer months, but be careful not to overwater, as they are susceptible to mildew. Water the soil, not the leaves, and remove dead flowers and leaves. They make excellent bedding plants and can be cut back after flowering to encourage new growth. To promote bushy growth with many flowers, pinch out the growing tips when the plant is around 20 cm tall. Chrysanthemums are susceptible to pests like snails, slugs, and aphids, so keep an eye out and remove them by hand or with an organic horticultural spray.
Dahlias
Dahlias are a summer-flowering plant that can add a burst of colour to your garden. They are suitable for a range of climates, including warm temperate zones, and can be grown from tubers or cuttings. Dahlias require full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. They should be planted after the last spring frost and watered regularly, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely. To encourage growth, fertilise the dahlias monthly and remove dead flowers. Dahlias are also prone to pests like snails and slugs, so it's important to take preventative measures or remove them by hand.
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Herbs: basil, coriander, and parsley
Basil, coriander, and parsley are delicious herbs to grow in your Australian summer garden. All three herbs require well-drained soil and regular watering to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to rotting.
Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb that pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, and lemon. It grows best in a sunny spot in your garden or a partly shaded position. To grow basil, prepare the planting area by digging in some fertiliser. Sow seeds into well-drained soil and keep the soil moist with regular watering. Feed weekly with a liquid plant food to promote healthy green leaves. Water the base of the plant to prevent leaf diseases. Protect your basil from pests such as snails, slugs, caterpillars, and beetles. Harvest the leaves in the morning for maximum flavour, and before winter comes, as basil is an annual herb that will die down with the cold.
Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a versatile herb with fragrant leaves and spicy seeds. It is commonly grown in a pot in a partly shaded position, either on a patio or a windowsill that doesn't receive direct sunlight in summer. Coriander thrives in well-drained soil, and you can sow the seeds directly into your garden or a pot. Keep the soil moist, and give the plant a light liquid fertiliser feed every couple of weeks during late spring and summer. Harvest the leaves when they are bright green and young.
Parsley
Parsley is a herb that can flavour dishes such as tabbouleh, pasta, and meat dishes. It also has the added benefit of masking garlic breath! Parsley loves damp conditions and thrives with regular watering. Choose a sunny spot or a partly shaded position in your garden and prepare the planting area with fertiliser. Sow seeds directly or fill starter pots with a seed-raising mix. Keep the soil moist during germination, which can take up to four weeks. Feed the seedlings weekly with liquid plant food. Transplant the seedlings when they reach about 5-7cm. Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture. Harvest when the leaves are dark green, and remove flowering stems to extend the harvest window.
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Frequently asked questions
Some plants that can be grown in the summer in Australia are corn, beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, beetroot, radish, capsicum, Asian greens, carrots, cucumber, eggplant, strawberries, and zucchini.
The best way to grow summer plants in Australia is to plant them in well-prepared soil with thick mulch, which will keep the plant's root system cool while adding nutrients to the soil. It is also important to water the plants regularly.
April and May are good months to plant summer vegetables in Australia, with an expected harvest time of December.
It is important to consider the local climate when planting summer plants in Australia. For example, what grows well in tropical zones like Townsville and Cairns may not suit arid climate zones like most inland areas across all states.
