New Zealand
Planting calendar for Gisborne
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors 1 Nov to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 7 Feb.
- Frost
- Frost is rare here
Frost comes in fewer than half of years, so there’s no last or first frost date to work from. Dates below go by how warm it is instead. On a clear, still winter night a light frost can still happen, so cover tender plants then.
Southern hemisphere: spring sowing is September to November, and the main harvest runs December to April.
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Gisborne. 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.
| 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 under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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 under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow under cover | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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 under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow under cover | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
 Carrot | 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 |
 Beetroot | 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 |
 Parsnip | 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: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Radish | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover |
 Potato | 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: Plant under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | May: Not this month | June: Plant under cover |
 Turnip | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
 Lettuce | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Spinach | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover |
 Swiss chard | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Rocket | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover |
 Celery | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Not this month | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
 Runner bean | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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 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 |
 Broad bean | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow 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: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Pea | 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 under cover | December: Not this month | January: Sow 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 |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
 Onion | 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: Plant under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 Garlic | 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 |
 Leek | 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: Not this month | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and 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: Plant under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Not this month | May: Plant under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover |
| Brassicas | ||||||||||||
 Cabbage | 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 under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Broccoli | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Cauliflower | 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 under cover | December: Not this month | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Sow under cover |
 Brussels sprout | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Kale | 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
 Basil | 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: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Parsley | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow under cover |
 Coriander | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month |
 Chives | 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: Sow 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 |
 Mint | 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
 Strawberry | 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: Plant under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | 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: Not this month | May: Plant under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 RhubarbWinters too mild here | 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: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.
Crop by crop
Fruiting
TomatoOutdoors 1 Nov to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 7 Feb; Under cover 4 Oct to 10 Jan, and 30 Jan to 7 Feb, and 27 Feb to 7 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 1 Nov to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 7 Feb
- Under cover
- 4 Oct to 10 Jan, and 30 Jan to 7 Feb, and 27 Feb to 7 Mar
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 1 November, ready around 6 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
ChilliOutdoors 31 Oct to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb; Under cover 3 Oct to 8 Jan, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb, and 27 Feb to 5 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 8 Jan, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb, and 27 Feb to 5 Mar
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 23 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
Sweet pepperOutdoors 7 Nov to 12 Dec, and 30 Jan to 8 Feb; Under cover 10 Oct to 11 Jan, and 30 Jan to 8 Feb, and 27 Feb to 8 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Nov to 12 Dec, and 30 Jan to 8 Feb
- Under cover
- 10 Oct to 11 Jan, and 30 Jan to 8 Feb, and 27 Feb to 8 Mar
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 7 November, ready around 24 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
AubergineOutdoors 7 Nov to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb; Under cover 10 Oct to 8 Jan, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb, and 27 Feb to 5 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Nov to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb
- Under cover
- 10 Oct to 8 Jan, and 30 Jan to 5 Feb, and 27 Feb to 5 Mar
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 7 November, ready around 5 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CourgetteOutdoors 31 Oct to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 6 Mar; Under cover 3 Oct to 3 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 6 Mar
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 3 Apr
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 6 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors 31 Oct to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 28 Feb; Under cover 3 Oct to 28 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 28 Feb
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 28 Mar
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 12 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SquashOutdoors 31 Oct to 12 Dec, and 30 Jan to 9 Feb; Under cover 3 Oct to 12 Jan, and 30 Jan to 9 Feb, and 27 Feb to 9 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 12 Dec, and 30 Jan to 9 Feb
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 12 Jan, and 30 Jan to 9 Feb, and 27 Feb to 9 Mar
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 5 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SweetcornOutdoors 24 Oct to 12 Dec, and 30 Jan to 12 Feb; Under cover 26 Sep to 15 Jan, and 30 Jan to 12 Feb, and 27 Feb to 12 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Oct to 12 Dec, and 30 Jan to 12 Feb
- Under cover
- 26 Sep to 15 Jan, and 30 Jan to 12 Feb, and 27 Feb to 12 Mar
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 24 October, ready around 23 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors 5 Aug to 11 Jan, and 30 Jan to 14 Mar; Under cover 8 Jul to 11 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 5 Aug to 11 Jan, and 30 Jan to 14 Mar
- Under cover
- 8 Jul to 11 Apr
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on 5 August, ready around 7 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
BeetrootOutdoors 5 Aug to 20 Mar; Under cover 8 Jul to 17 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 5 Aug to 20 Mar
- Under cover
- 8 Jul to 17 Apr
- First harvest
- About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 5 August, ready around 1 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
ParsnipOutdoors 30 Jan to 25 Feb, and 17 Jun to 8 Oct; Under cover 2 Jan to 25 Mar, and 20 May to 5 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jan to 25 Feb, and 17 Jun to 8 Oct
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 25 Mar, and 20 May to 5 Nov
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 30 January, ready around 18 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RadishOutdoors 24 Jul to 7 May; Under cover 26 Jun to 4 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Jul to 7 May
- Under cover
- 26 Jun to 4 Jun
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on 24 July, ready around 28 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors 12 Jul to 17 Sep, and 30 Jan to 15 Mar; Under cover 2 Jan to 12 Apr, and 14 Jun to 15 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 12 Jul to 17 Sep, and 30 Jan to 15 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 12 Apr, and 14 Jun to 15 Oct
- First harvest
- About 63 days after planting. Planted on 12 July, ready around 13 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
TurnipOutdoors 24 Jul to 7 Apr; Under cover 26 Jun to 5 May
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Jul to 7 Apr
- Under cover
- 26 Jun to 5 May
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 24 July, ready around 12 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors 24 Jul to 7 Apr; Under cover 26 Jun to 5 May
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Jul to 7 Apr
- Under cover
- 26 Jun to 5 May
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on 24 July, ready around 25 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors 15 Jul to 28 May; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 15 Jul to 28 May
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 27 days after sowing. Sown on 15 July, ready around 11 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors 5 Aug to 7 Apr; Under cover 8 Jul to 5 May
- Sow outdoors
- 5 Aug to 7 Apr
- Under cover
- 8 Jul to 5 May
- First harvest
- About 76 days after sowing. Sown on 5 August, ready around 20 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
RocketOutdoors 24 Jul to 18 May; Under cover 26 Jun to 15 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Jul to 18 May
- Under cover
- 26 Jun to 15 Jun
- First harvest
- About 53 days after sowing. Sown on 24 July, ready around 15 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors 30 Jan to 8 Mar, and 6 Jun to 21 Sep; Under cover 2 Jan to 5 Apr, and 9 May to 19 Oct
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jan to 8 Mar, and 6 Jun to 21 Sep
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 5 Apr, and 9 May to 19 Oct
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 30 January, ready around 18 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors 24 Oct to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 18 Feb; Under cover 26 Sep to 18 Feb, and 27 Feb to 18 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Oct to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 18 Feb
- Under cover
- 26 Sep to 18 Feb, and 27 Feb to 18 Mar
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 24 October, ready around 17 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
French beanOutdoors 24 Oct to 4 Mar; Under cover 26 Sep to 1 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Oct to 4 Mar
- Under cover
- 26 Sep to 1 Apr
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 24 October, ready around 29 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Broad beanOutdoors 15 Apr to 23 Jul; Under cover 18 Mar to 20 Aug
- Sow outdoors
- 15 Apr to 23 Jul
- Under cover
- 18 Mar to 20 Aug
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 15 April, ready around 21 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors 23 Jul to 23 Oct, and 30 Jan to 11 Mar; Under cover 2 Jan to 8 Apr, and 25 Jun to 20 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 23 Jul to 23 Oct, and 30 Jan to 11 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 8 Apr, and 25 Jun to 20 Nov
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on 23 July, ready around 17 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors 30 Jan to 8 Mar, and 23 May to 12 Sep; Under cover 2 Jan to 5 Apr, and 25 Apr to 10 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 30 Jan to 8 Mar, and 23 May to 12 Sep
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 5 Apr, and 25 Apr to 10 Oct
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on 30 January, ready around 24 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
GarlicOutdoors 15 Apr to 23 Jul; Under cover 18 Mar to 20 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 15 Apr to 23 Jul
- Under cover
- 18 Mar to 20 Aug
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on 15 April, ready around 21 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors 30 Jan to 7 Nov; Under cover 2 Jan to 5 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jan to 7 Nov
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 5 Dec
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 30 January, ready around 30 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Spring onionOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 19 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
ShallotOutdoors 30 Jan to 8 Mar, and 6 Jun to 5 Oct; Under cover 2 Jan to 5 Apr, and 9 May to 2 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 30 Jan to 8 Mar, and 6 Jun to 5 Oct
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 5 Apr, and 9 May to 2 Nov
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on 30 January, ready around 18 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors 30 Jan to 23 Mar, and 19 Jun to 22 Nov; Under cover 2 Jan to 20 Apr, and 22 May to 20 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jan to 23 Mar, and 19 Jun to 22 Nov
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 20 Apr, and 22 May to 20 Dec
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 30 January, ready around 6 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
BroccoliOutdoors 5 Aug to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 8 Mar; Under cover 8 Jul to 5 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 5 Aug to 27 Dec, and 30 Jan to 8 Mar
- Under cover
- 8 Jul to 5 Apr
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 5 August, ready around 4 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
CauliflowerOutdoors 30 Jan to 28 Feb, and 28 Jun to 23 Oct; Under cover 2 Jan to 28 Mar, and 31 May to 20 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jan to 28 Feb, and 28 Jun to 23 Oct
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 28 Mar, and 31 May to 20 Nov
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 30 January, ready around 12 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors 30 Jan to 22 Sep; Under cover 2 Jan to 20 Oct
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jan to 22 Sep
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 20 Oct
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 30 January, ready around 18 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
KaleOutdoors 5 Aug to 17 Mar; Under cover 8 Jul to 14 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 5 Aug to 17 Mar
- Under cover
- 8 Jul to 14 Apr
- First harvest
- About 99 days after sowing. Sown on 5 August, ready around 12 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Pak choiOutdoors 9 Sep to 23 Apr; Under cover 12 Aug to 21 May
- Sow outdoors
- 9 Sep to 23 Apr
- Under cover
- 12 Aug to 21 May
- First harvest
- About 50 days after sowing. Sown on 9 September, ready around 29 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors 9 Sep to 8 Mar; Under cover 12 Aug to 5 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 9 Sep to 8 Mar
- Under cover
- 12 Aug to 5 Apr
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 9 September, ready around 20 November.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors 9 Jul to 22 Apr; Under cover 11 Jun to 20 May
- Sow outdoors
- 9 Jul to 22 Apr
- Under cover
- 11 Jun to 20 May
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 9 July, ready around 23 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
CorianderOutdoors 5 Aug to 27 Apr; Under cover 8 Jul to 25 May
- Sow outdoors
- 5 Aug to 27 Apr
- Under cover
- 8 Jul to 25 May
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on 5 August, ready around 7 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors 23 Jul to 8 Oct, and 30 Jan to 16 Mar; Under cover 2 Jan to 13 Apr, and 25 Jun to 5 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 23 Jul to 8 Oct, and 30 Jan to 16 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 13 Apr, and 25 Jun to 5 Nov
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
MintOutdoors 5 Aug to 11 Jul; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 5 Aug to 11 Jul
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors 23 Jul to 22 Sep, and 30 Jan to 18 Mar; Under cover 2 Jan to 15 Apr, and 25 Jun to 20 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 23 Jul to 22 Sep, and 30 Jan to 18 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jan to 15 Apr, and 25 Jun to 20 Oct
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RaspberryOutdoors 31 May to 23 Jul; Under cover 3 May to 20 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 31 May to 23 Jul
- Under cover
- 3 May to 20 Aug
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
RhubarbNot here: winters too mild here
- Plant outdoors
- Not here: winters too mild here
- Under cover
- No
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Questions about growing in Gisborne
Does it frost in Gisborne?
Not often: frost comes in fewer than half of years, so sowing here goes by warmth rather than frost dates. A light frost can still happen on a clear, still winter night.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Gisborne?
Yes. Plant them outdoors 1 Nov to 6 Dec, and 30 Jan to 7 Feb, or under cover 4 Oct to 10 Jan, and 30 Jan to 7 Feb, and 27 Feb to 7 Mar.
What can I sow in Gisborne in November?
Outdoors: tomato, chilli, sweet pepper, aubergine, courgette, cucumber, squash, sweetcorn, carrot, beetroot, radish, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, rocket, runner bean, French bean, leek, spring onion, cabbage, broccoli, kale, pak choi, basil, parsley, coriander, mint. Under cover: pea, cauliflower.
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 Gisborne. Free for 2 months.
App StoreComing soonHow 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