Canterbury, New Zealand

Planting calendar for Christchurch

Last frost around 28 September, first frost around 29 May: about 243 frost-free days.

Last frost: 28 September
First frost: 29 May
Frost-free days: 243

Southern hemisphere: spring sowing is September to November, and the main harvest runs December to April.

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Under cover

Potato
Brussels sprout
Strawberry

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Christchurch. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (a greenhouse or polytunnel)Months run July to June, so summer reads in one piece.

When to sow each crop in Christchurch, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun
Fruiting
Tomato	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Chilli	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Sweet pepper	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Aubergine	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Courgette	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Cucumber	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Squash	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Sweetcorn	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Beetroot	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Parsnip	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Radish	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Potato	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Turnip	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Spinach	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Swiss chard	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Rocket	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Celery	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Beans and peas
Runner bean	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
French bean	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Broad bean	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover
Pea	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Garlic	July: Plant under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Spring onion	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Shallot	July: Plant outdoors and under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Plant under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Broccoli	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Cauliflower	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Brussels sprout	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Kale	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Pak choi	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Sow under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Parsley	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Coriander	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Chives	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Mint	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month
Fruit
Strawberry	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Raspberry	July: Plant outdoors and under cover	August: Plant under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Plant under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
Rhubarb	July: Plant outdoors and under cover	August: Plant under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors 4 Nov to 10 Dec; Under cover 7 Oct to 7 Jan

Sow outdoors: 4 Nov to 10 Dec
Under cover: 7 Oct to 7 Jan
First harvest: About 106 days after sowing. Sown on 4 November, ready around 18 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across New Zealand, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 3 Nov to 10 Dec; Under cover 6 Oct to 7 Jan

Sow outdoors: 3 Nov to 10 Dec
Under cover: 6 Oct to 7 Jan
First harvest: About 117 days after sowing. Sown on 3 November, ready around 28 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across New Zealand, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 10 Nov to 18 Dec; Under cover 13 Oct to 15 Jan

Sow outdoors: 10 Nov to 18 Dec
Under cover: 13 Oct to 15 Jan
First harvest: About 110 days after sowing. Sown on 10 November, ready around 28 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across New Zealand, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 10 Nov to 10 Dec; Under cover 13 Oct to 7 Jan

Sow outdoors: 10 Nov to 10 Dec
Under cover: 13 Oct to 7 Jan
First harvest: About 111 days after sowing. Sown on 10 November, ready around 1 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across New Zealand, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 3 Nov to 3 Jan; Under cover 6 Oct to 31 Jan

Sow outdoors: 3 Nov to 3 Jan
Under cover: 6 Oct to 31 Jan
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on 3 November, ready around 7 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across New Zealand, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 3 Nov to 3 Jan; Under cover 6 Oct to 31 Jan

Sow outdoors: 3 Nov to 3 Jan
Under cover: 6 Oct to 31 Jan
First harvest: About 75 days after sowing. Sown on 3 November, ready around 17 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across New Zealand, town by town

SquashOutdoors 3 Nov to 18 Dec; Under cover 6 Oct to 15 Jan

Sow outdoors: 3 Nov to 18 Dec
Under cover: 6 Oct to 15 Jan
First harvest: About 106 days after sowing. Sown on 3 November, ready around 17 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across New Zealand, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 27 Oct to 18 Dec; Under cover 29 Sep to 15 Jan

Sow outdoors: 27 Oct to 18 Dec
Under cover: 29 Sep to 15 Jan
First harvest: About 103 days after sowing. Sown on 27 October, ready around 7 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across New Zealand, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 3 Sep to 30 Jan; Under cover 6 Aug to 27 Feb

Sow outdoors: 3 Sep to 30 Jan
Under cover: 6 Aug to 27 Feb
First harvest: About 110 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 22 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across New Zealand, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 3 Sep to 10 Feb; Under cover 6 Aug to 10 Mar

Sow outdoors: 3 Sep to 10 Feb
Under cover: 6 Aug to 10 Mar
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 19 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across New Zealand, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 13 Aug to 19 Nov; Under cover 16 Jul to 17 Dec

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 19 Nov
Under cover: 16 Jul to 17 Dec
First harvest: About 146 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 6 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across New Zealand, town by town

RadishOutdoors 13 Aug to 31 Mar; Under cover 16 Jul to 28 Apr

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 31 Mar
Under cover: 16 Jul to 28 Apr
First harvest: About 31 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 13 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across New Zealand, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 13 Aug to 21 Oct; Under cover 16 Jul to 18 Nov

Plant outdoors: 13 Aug to 21 Oct
Under cover: 16 Jul to 18 Nov
First harvest: About 114 days after planting. Planted on 13 August, ready around 5 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across New Zealand, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 13 Aug to 28 Feb; Under cover 16 Jul to 28 Mar

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 28 Feb
Under cover: 16 Jul to 28 Mar
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 20 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across New Zealand, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 20 Aug to 24 Feb; Under cover 23 Jul to 24 Mar

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 24 Feb
Under cover: 23 Jul to 24 Mar
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 7 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across New Zealand, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 13 Aug to 1 Apr; Under cover 16 Jul to 29 Apr

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 1 Apr
Under cover: 16 Jul to 29 Apr
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 3 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across New Zealand, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 3 Sep to 28 Feb; Under cover 6 Aug to 28 Mar

Sow outdoors: 3 Sep to 28 Feb
Under cover: 6 Aug to 28 Mar
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 8 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across New Zealand, town by town

RocketOutdoors 13 Aug to 1 Apr; Under cover 16 Jul to 29 Apr

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 1 Apr
Under cover: 16 Jul to 29 Apr
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 27 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across New Zealand, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 20 Jul to 8 Oct; Under cover 22 Jun to 5 Nov

Sow outdoors: 20 Jul to 8 Oct
Under cover: 22 Jun to 5 Nov
First harvest: About 157 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 24 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across New Zealand, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 27 Oct to 3 Jan; Under cover 29 Sep to 31 Jan

Sow outdoors: 27 Oct to 3 Jan
Under cover: 29 Sep to 31 Jan
First harvest: About 95 days after sowing. Sown on 27 October, ready around 30 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across New Zealand, town by town

French beanOutdoors 27 Oct to 30 Jan; Under cover 29 Sep to 27 Feb

Sow outdoors: 27 Oct to 30 Jan
Under cover: 29 Sep to 27 Feb
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on 27 October, ready around 11 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across New Zealand, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 6 Apr to 1 Jun; Under cover 9 Mar to 29 Jun

Sow outdoors: 6 Apr to 1 Jun
Under cover: 9 Mar to 29 Jun
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 6 April, ready around 12 November.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across New Zealand, town by town

PeaOutdoors 13 Aug to 10 Dec; Under cover 16 Jul to 7 Jan

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 10 Dec
Under cover: 16 Jul to 7 Jan
First harvest: About 91 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 12 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across New Zealand, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 7 Aug to 8 Oct; Under cover 10 Jul to 5 Nov

Plant outdoors: 7 Aug to 8 Oct
Under cover: 10 Jul to 5 Nov
First harvest: About 157 days after planting. Planted on 7 August, ready around 11 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across New Zealand, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 6 Apr to 14 Jun; Under cover 9 Mar to 12 Jul

Plant outdoors: 6 Apr to 14 Jun
Under cover: 9 Mar to 12 Jul
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 6 April, ready around 12 December.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across New Zealand, town by town

LeekOutdoors 13 Aug to 3 Jan; Under cover 16 Jul to 31 Jan

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 3 Jan
Under cover: 16 Jul to 31 Jan
First harvest: About 165 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 25 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across New Zealand, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 20 Jul to 19 Mar; Under cover 22 Jun to 16 Apr

Sow outdoors: 20 Jul to 19 Mar
Under cover: 22 Jun to 16 Apr
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 16 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across New Zealand, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 13 Jul to 25 Sep; Under cover 15 Jun to 23 Oct

Plant outdoors: 13 Jul to 25 Sep
Under cover: 15 Jun to 23 Oct
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on 13 July, ready around 29 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across New Zealand, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 13 Aug to 30 Jan; Under cover 16 Jul to 27 Feb

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 30 Jan
Under cover: 16 Jul to 27 Feb
First harvest: About 125 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 16 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across New Zealand, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 3 Sep to 3 Jan; Under cover 6 Aug to 31 Jan

Sow outdoors: 3 Sep to 3 Jan
Under cover: 6 Aug to 31 Jan
First harvest: About 99 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 11 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across New Zealand, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 13 Aug to 10 Dec; Under cover 16 Jul to 7 Jan

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 10 Dec
Under cover: 16 Jul to 7 Jan
First harvest: About 135 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 26 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across New Zealand, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 13 Aug to 27 Oct; Under cover 16 Jul to 24 Nov

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 27 Oct
Under cover: 16 Jul to 24 Nov
First harvest: About 189 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 18 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across New Zealand, town by town

KaleOutdoors 3 Sep to 5 Feb; Under cover 6 Aug to 5 Mar

Sow outdoors: 3 Sep to 5 Feb
Under cover: 6 Aug to 5 Mar
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 30 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across New Zealand, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 19 Sep to 16 Mar; Under cover 22 Aug to 13 Apr

Sow outdoors: 19 Sep to 16 Mar
Under cover: 22 Aug to 13 Apr
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 19 September, ready around 7 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across New Zealand, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 28 Sep to 1 Feb; Under cover 31 Aug to 1 Mar

Sow outdoors: 28 Sep to 1 Feb
Under cover: 31 Aug to 1 Mar
First harvest: About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 28 September, ready around 7 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across New Zealand, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 13 Aug to 2 Mar; Under cover 16 Jul to 30 Mar

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 2 Mar
Under cover: 16 Jul to 30 Mar
First harvest: About 85 days after sowing. Sown on 13 August, ready around 6 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across New Zealand, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 3 Sep to 16 Mar; Under cover 6 Aug to 13 Apr

Sow outdoors: 3 Sep to 16 Mar
Under cover: 6 Aug to 13 Apr
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 28 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across New Zealand, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 13 Aug to 19 Nov; Under cover 16 Jul to 17 Dec

Sow outdoors: 13 Aug to 19 Nov
Under cover: 16 Jul to 17 Dec
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Chives across New Zealand, town by town

MintOutdoors 3 Sep to 27 Apr; Under cover 6 Aug to 25 May

Sow outdoors: 3 Sep to 27 Apr
Under cover: 6 Aug to 25 May
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Mint across New Zealand, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors 13 Aug to 27 Oct; Under cover 16 Jul to 24 Nov

Plant outdoors: 13 Aug to 27 Oct
Under cover: 16 Jul to 24 Nov
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Strawberry across New Zealand, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors 11 May to 13 Jul; Under cover 13 Apr to 10 Aug

Plant outdoors: 11 May to 13 Jul
Under cover: 13 Apr to 10 Aug
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across New Zealand, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors 22 Apr to 13 Jul; Under cover 25 Mar to 10 Aug

Plant outdoors: 22 Apr to 13 Jul
Under cover: 25 Mar to 10 Aug
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across New Zealand, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Christchurch

When is the last frost in Christchurch?

On average around 28 September, and the first autumn frost comes around 29 May. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Christchurch?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 4 Nov to 10 Dec, or under cover 7 Oct to 7 Jan.

What can I sow in Christchurch in November?

Outdoors: tomato, chilli, sweet pepper, aubergine, courgette, cucumber, squash, sweetcorn, carrot, beetroot, parsnip, radish, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, rocket, runner bean, French bean, pea, leek, spring onion, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, pak choi, basil, parsley, coriander, chives, mint. Under cover: potato, Brussels sprout, strawberry.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your plot in Christchurch. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work