Southland, New Zealand
Planting calendar for Invercargill
Last frost around 28 August, first frost around 2 June: about 278 frost-free days.
- Last frost
- 28 August on average
- First frost
- 2 June on average
- Frost-free days
- 278 in a typical year
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 Invercargill. 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 | ||||||||||||
 TomatoUnder cover only | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 ChilliUnder cover only | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 Sweet pepperUnder cover only | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 AubergineUnder cover only | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 Courgette | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 Cucumber | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 SquashUnder cover only | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 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: Not this month | 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 under cover | March: Not this month | 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 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | December: Plant 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 |
 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: 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 |
 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: 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 |
| 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: Sow under cover | March: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | 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: 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 |
 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: Plant under cover | March: Plant outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | 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 under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 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 outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | 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 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 |
 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: 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 outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | 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 under cover | April: Not this month | 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 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | December: Plant 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 |
 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
TomatoUnder cover 29 Oct to 15 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- Not here: season too short
- Under cover
- 29 Oct to 15 Dec
- First harvest
- About 85 days after sowing. Sown on 29 October, ready around 22 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
ChilliUnder cover 27 Oct to 15 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- Not here: season too short
- Under cover
- 27 Oct to 15 Dec
- First harvest
- About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 27 October, ready around 23 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
Sweet pepperUnder cover 5 Nov to 24 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- Not here: season too short
- Under cover
- 5 Nov to 24 Dec
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 24 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
AubergineUnder cover 5 Nov to 15 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- Not here: season too short
- Under cover
- 5 Nov to 15 Dec
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 3 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CourgetteOutdoors 2 Dec to 18 Jan; Under cover 4 Nov to 15 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Dec to 18 Jan
- Under cover
- 4 Nov to 15 Feb
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 2 December, ready around 17 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors 2 Dec to 7 Jan; Under cover 4 Nov to 4 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Dec to 7 Jan
- Under cover
- 4 Nov to 4 Feb
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on 2 December, ready around 5 March.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SquashUnder cover 27 Oct to 24 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- Not here: season too short
- Under cover
- 27 Oct to 24 Dec
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on 27 October, ready around 21 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SweetcornOutdoors 22 Nov to 8 Dec; Under cover 25 Oct to 10 Nov, and 22 Nov to 8 Dec, and 20 Dec to 5 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 22 Nov to 8 Dec
- Under cover
- 25 Oct to 10 Nov, and 22 Nov to 8 Dec, and 20 Dec to 5 Jan
- First harvest
- About 160 days after sowing. Sown on 22 November, ready around 1 May.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors 12 Sep to 2 Feb; Under cover 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Sep to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 123 days after sowing. Sown on 12 September, ready around 13 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
BeetrootOutdoors 12 Sep to 2 Feb; Under cover 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Sep to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 85 days after sowing. Sown on 12 September, ready around 6 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
ParsnipOutdoors 19 Aug to 27 Dec; Under cover 22 Jul to 24 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 27 Dec
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 24 Jan
- First harvest
- About 163 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 29 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RadishOutdoors 19 Aug to 16 Mar; Under cover 22 Jul to 13 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 16 Mar
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 13 Apr
- First harvest
- About 33 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 21 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors 19 Aug to 13 Nov; Under cover 22 Jul to 11 Dec
- Plant outdoors
- 19 Aug to 13 Nov
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 11 Dec
- First harvest
- About 125 days after planting. Planted on 19 August, ready around 22 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
TurnipOutdoors 19 Aug to 8 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 8 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 8 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 8 Mar
- First harvest
- About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 1 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors 26 Aug to 4 Feb; Under cover 29 Jul to 4 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 26 Aug to 4 Feb
- Under cover
- 29 Jul to 4 Mar
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on 26 August, ready around 20 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors 19 Aug to 21 Mar; Under cover 22 Jul to 18 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 21 Mar
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 18 Apr
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 12 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors 12 Sep to 8 Feb; Under cover 15 Aug to 8 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Sep to 8 Feb
- Under cover
- 15 Aug to 8 Mar
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 12 September, ready around 23 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
RocketOutdoors 19 Aug to 19 Mar; Under cover 22 Jul to 16 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 19 Mar
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 16 Apr
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 6 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors 25 Jul to 27 Oct; Under cover 27 Jun to 24 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Jul to 27 Oct
- Under cover
- 27 Jun to 24 Nov
- First harvest
- About 172 days after sowing. Sown on 25 July, ready around 13 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors 22 Nov to 21 Dec; Under cover 25 Oct to 18 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 22 Nov to 21 Dec
- Under cover
- 25 Oct to 18 Jan
- First harvest
- About 129 days after sowing. Sown on 22 November, ready around 31 March.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
French beanOutdoors 22 Nov to 13 Jan; Under cover 25 Oct to 10 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 22 Nov to 13 Jan
- Under cover
- 25 Oct to 10 Feb
- First harvest
- About 92 days after sowing. Sown on 22 November, ready around 22 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Broad beanOutdoors 17 Mar to 27 May; Under cover 17 Feb to 24 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 17 Mar to 27 May
- Under cover
- 17 Feb to 24 Jun
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 17 March, ready around 23 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors 19 Aug to 2 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 100 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 27 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors 12 Aug to 27 Oct; Under cover 15 Jul to 24 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 12 Aug to 27 Oct
- Under cover
- 15 Jul to 24 Nov
- First harvest
- About 177 days after planting. Planted on 12 August, ready around 5 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
GarlicOutdoors 17 Mar to 10 Jun; Under cover 17 Feb to 8 Jul
- Plant outdoors
- 17 Mar to 10 Jun
- Under cover
- 17 Feb to 8 Jul
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on 17 March, ready around 22 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors 19 Aug to 2 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 187 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 22 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Spring onionOutdoors 25 Jul to 6 Mar; Under cover 27 Jun to 3 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Jul to 6 Mar
- Under cover
- 27 Jun to 3 Apr
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on 25 July, ready around 26 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
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.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors 19 Aug to 2 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 138 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 4 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
BroccoliOutdoors 12 Sep to 2 Feb; Under cover 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Sep to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 110 days after sowing. Sown on 12 September, ready around 31 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
CauliflowerOutdoors 19 Aug to 2 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 151 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 17 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors 19 Aug to 23 Nov; Under cover 22 Jul to 21 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 23 Nov
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 21 Dec
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 27 March.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
KaleOutdoors 12 Sep to 2 Feb; Under cover 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Sep to 2 Feb
- Under cover
- 15 Aug to 2 Mar
- First harvest
- About 97 days after sowing. Sown on 12 September, ready around 18 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Pak choiOutdoors 2 Oct to 27 Feb; Under cover 4 Sep to 27 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Oct to 27 Feb
- Under cover
- 4 Sep to 27 Mar
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on 2 October, ready around 23 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors 2 Oct to 20 Jan; Under cover 4 Sep to 17 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Oct to 20 Jan
- Under cover
- 4 Sep to 17 Feb
- First harvest
- About 85 days after sowing. Sown on 2 October, ready around 26 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors 19 Aug to 13 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 13 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 13 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 13 Mar
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 20 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
CorianderOutdoors 12 Sep to 1 Mar; Under cover 15 Aug to 29 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Sep to 1 Mar
- Under cover
- 15 Aug to 29 Mar
- First harvest
- About 59 days after sowing. Sown on 12 September, ready around 10 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors 19 Aug to 27 Dec; Under cover 22 Jul to 24 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 27 Dec
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 24 Jan
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
MintOutdoors 12 Sep to 17 Apr; Under cover 15 Aug to 15 May
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Sep to 17 Apr
- Under cover
- 15 Aug to 15 May
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors 19 Aug to 23 Nov; Under cover 22 Jul to 21 Dec
- Plant outdoors
- 19 Aug to 23 Nov
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 21 Dec
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RaspberryOutdoors 2 May to 13 Jul; Under cover 4 Apr to 10 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 2 May to 13 Jul
- Under cover
- 4 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.
RhubarbOutdoors 9 Apr to 13 Jul; Under cover 12 Mar to 10 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 9 Apr to 13 Jul
- Under cover
- 12 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.
Questions about growing in Invercargill
When is the last frost in Invercargill?
On average around 28 August, and the first autumn frost comes around 2 June. 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 Invercargill?
Not reliably: the season too short. Sow them under cover 29 Oct to 15 Dec, then grow them on under cover or plant out once frost has passed.
What can I sow in Invercargill in November?
Outdoors: sweetcorn, carrot, beetroot, parsnip, radish, potato, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, rocket, runner bean, French bean, pea, leek, spring onion, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, kale, pak choi, basil, parsley, coriander, chives, mint, strawberry. Under cover: tomato, chilli, sweet pepper, aubergine, courgette, cucumber, squash, celery, onion.
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 Invercargill. 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