Nelson Region, New Zealand

Planting calendar for Nelson

Last frost around 8 September, first frost around 3 June: about 268 frost-free days.

Last frost: 8 September
First frost: 3 June
Frost-free days: 268

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 Nelson. 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 Nelson, 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 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
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: Not this month	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 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: 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: 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 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
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 under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	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: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	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 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 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
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 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: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and 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 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
Onion family
Onion	July: Plant outdoors and under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	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: Plant under cover
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: Sow 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 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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	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: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	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 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
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: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	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: 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
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 outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	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: 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
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 outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover
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: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	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: Not this month	April: Plant 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 31 Oct to 4 Dec; Under cover 3 Oct to 1 Jan

Sow outdoors: 31 Oct to 4 Dec
Under cover: 3 Oct to 1 Jan
First harvest: About 95 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 3 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across New Zealand, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 30 Oct to 4 Dec; Under cover 2 Oct to 1 Jan

Sow outdoors: 30 Oct to 4 Dec
Under cover: 2 Oct to 1 Jan
First harvest: About 102 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 9 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across New Zealand, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 6 Nov to 11 Dec; Under cover 9 Oct to 8 Jan

Sow outdoors: 6 Nov to 11 Dec
Under cover: 9 Oct to 8 Jan
First harvest: About 95 days after sowing. Sown on 6 November, ready around 9 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across New Zealand, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 6 Nov to 4 Dec; Under cover 9 Oct to 1 Jan

Sow outdoors: 6 Nov to 4 Dec
Under cover: 9 Oct to 1 Jan
First harvest: About 95 days after sowing. Sown on 6 November, ready around 9 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across New Zealand, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 30 Oct to 24 Dec, and 31 Jan to 13 Feb; Under cover 2 Oct to 21 Jan, and 31 Jan to 13 Feb, and 28 Feb to 13 Mar

Sow outdoors: 30 Oct to 24 Dec, and 31 Jan to 13 Feb
Under cover: 2 Oct to 21 Jan, and 31 Jan to 13 Feb, and 28 Feb to 13 Mar
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 11 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across New Zealand, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 30 Oct to 24 Dec; Under cover 2 Oct to 21 Jan

Sow outdoors: 30 Oct to 24 Dec
Under cover: 2 Oct to 21 Jan
First harvest: About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 8 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across New Zealand, town by town

SquashOutdoors 30 Oct to 11 Dec; Under cover 2 Oct to 8 Jan

Sow outdoors: 30 Oct to 11 Dec
Under cover: 2 Oct to 8 Jan
First harvest: About 96 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 3 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across New Zealand, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 23 Oct to 11 Dec; Under cover 25 Sep to 8 Jan

Sow outdoors: 23 Oct to 11 Dec
Under cover: 25 Sep to 8 Jan
First harvest: About 94 days after sowing. Sown on 23 October, ready around 25 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across New Zealand, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 26 Aug to 5 Jan, and 31 Jan to 8 Feb; Under cover 29 Jul to 8 Feb, and 28 Feb to 8 Mar

Sow outdoors: 26 Aug to 5 Jan, and 31 Jan to 8 Feb
Under cover: 29 Jul to 8 Feb, and 28 Feb to 8 Mar
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on 26 August, ready around 5 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across New Zealand, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 26 Aug to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 22 Feb; Under cover 29 Jul to 22 Mar

Sow outdoors: 26 Aug to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 22 Feb
Under cover: 29 Jul to 22 Mar
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on 26 August, ready around 22 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across New Zealand, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 30 Jul to 14 Nov; Under cover 2 Jul to 12 Dec

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 14 Nov
Under cover: 2 Jul to 12 Dec
First harvest: About 151 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 28 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across New Zealand, town by town

RadishOutdoors 30 Jul to 9 Apr; Under cover 2 Jul to 7 May

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 9 Apr
Under cover: 2 Jul to 7 May
First harvest: About 34 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 2 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across New Zealand, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 30 Jul to 17 Oct, and 31 Jan to 9 Feb; Under cover 2 Jul to 14 Nov, and 3 Jan to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 9 Feb, and 28 Feb to 9 Mar

Plant outdoors: 30 Jul to 17 Oct, and 31 Jan to 9 Feb
Under cover: 2 Jul to 14 Nov, and 3 Jan to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 9 Feb, and 28 Feb to 9 Mar
First harvest: About 71 days after planting. Planted on 30 July, ready around 9 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across New Zealand, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 30 Jul to 11 Mar; Under cover 2 Jul to 8 Apr

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 11 Mar
Under cover: 2 Jul to 8 Apr
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 12 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across New Zealand, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 8 Aug to 7 Mar; Under cover 11 Jul to 4 Apr

Sow outdoors: 8 Aug to 7 Mar
Under cover: 11 Jul to 4 Apr
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 8 August, ready around 30 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across New Zealand, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 30 Jul to 12 Apr; Under cover 2 Jul to 10 May

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 12 Apr
Under cover: 2 Jul to 10 May
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 24 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across New Zealand, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 26 Aug to 11 Mar; Under cover 29 Jul to 8 Apr

Sow outdoors: 26 Aug to 11 Mar
Under cover: 29 Jul to 8 Apr
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on 26 August, ready around 2 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across New Zealand, town by town

RocketOutdoors 30 Jul to 11 Apr; Under cover 2 Jul to 9 May

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 11 Apr
Under cover: 2 Jul to 9 May
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 17 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across New Zealand, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 12 Jul to 11 Sep; Under cover 14 Jun to 9 Oct

Sow outdoors: 12 Jul to 11 Sep
Under cover: 14 Jun to 9 Oct
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 12 July, ready around 28 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across New Zealand, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 23 Oct to 24 Dec; Under cover 25 Sep to 21 Jan

Sow outdoors: 23 Oct to 24 Dec
Under cover: 25 Sep to 21 Jan
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 23 October, ready around 19 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across New Zealand, town by town

French beanOutdoors 23 Oct to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 9 Feb; Under cover 25 Sep to 9 Feb, and 28 Feb to 9 Mar

Sow outdoors: 23 Oct to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 9 Feb
Under cover: 25 Sep to 9 Feb, and 28 Feb to 9 Mar
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 23 October, ready around 7 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across New Zealand, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 11 Apr to 9 Jun; Under cover 14 Mar to 7 Jul

Sow outdoors: 11 Apr to 9 Jun
Under cover: 14 Mar to 7 Jul
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 11 April, ready around 17 November.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across New Zealand, town by town

PeaOutdoors 30 Jul to 4 Dec, and 31 Jan to 12 Feb; Under cover 2 Jul to 15 Jan, and 31 Jan to 12 Feb, and 28 Feb to 12 Mar

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 4 Dec, and 31 Jan to 12 Feb
Under cover: 2 Jul to 15 Jan, and 31 Jan to 12 Feb, and 28 Feb to 12 Mar
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 30 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across New Zealand, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 4 Jul to 2 Sep; Under cover 6 Jun to 30 Sep

Plant outdoors: 4 Jul to 2 Sep
Under cover: 6 Jun to 30 Sep
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on 4 July, ready around 26 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across New Zealand, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 11 Apr to 27 Jun; Under cover 14 Mar to 25 Jul

Plant outdoors: 11 Apr to 27 Jun
Under cover: 14 Mar to 25 Jul
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 11 April, ready around 17 December.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across New Zealand, town by town

LeekOutdoors 30 Jul to 24 Dec, and 1 Jun to 27 Jun; Under cover 4 May to 21 Jan

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 24 Dec, and 1 Jun to 27 Jun
Under cover: 4 May to 21 Jan
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 28 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across New Zealand, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 14 Jul to 1 Apr; Under cover 16 Jun to 29 Apr

Sow outdoors: 14 Jul to 1 Apr
Under cover: 16 Jun to 29 Apr
First harvest: About 95 days after sowing. Sown on 14 July, ready around 17 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across New Zealand, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 12 Jul to 25 Sep; Under cover 14 Jun to 23 Oct

Plant outdoors: 12 Jul to 25 Sep
Under cover: 14 Jun to 23 Oct
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on 12 July, ready around 28 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across New Zealand, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 30 Jul to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 10 Feb; Under cover 2 Jul to 10 Feb, and 28 Feb to 10 Mar

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 10 Feb
Under cover: 2 Jul to 10 Feb, and 28 Feb to 10 Mar
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 12 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across New Zealand, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 26 Aug to 24 Dec, and 31 Jan to 7 Feb; Under cover 29 Jul to 21 Jan, and 31 Jan to 7 Feb, and 28 Feb to 7 Mar

Sow outdoors: 26 Aug to 24 Dec, and 31 Jan to 7 Feb
Under cover: 29 Jul to 21 Jan, and 31 Jan to 7 Feb, and 28 Feb to 7 Mar
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 26 August, ready around 1 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across New Zealand, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 30 Jul to 4 Dec; Under cover 2 Jul to 1 Jan

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 4 Dec
Under cover: 2 Jul to 1 Jan
First harvest: About 142 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 19 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across New Zealand, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 30 Jul to 23 Oct, and 11 May to 27 Jun; Under cover 13 Apr to 20 Nov

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 23 Oct, and 11 May to 27 Jun
Under cover: 13 Apr to 20 Nov
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 15 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across New Zealand, town by town

KaleOutdoors 26 Aug to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 18 Feb; Under cover 29 Jul to 18 Feb, and 28 Feb to 18 Mar

Sow outdoors: 26 Aug to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 18 Feb
Under cover: 29 Jul to 18 Feb, and 28 Feb to 18 Mar
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on 26 August, ready around 27 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across New Zealand, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 13 Sep to 26 Mar; Under cover 16 Aug to 23 Apr

Sow outdoors: 13 Sep to 26 Mar
Under cover: 16 Aug to 23 Apr
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 13 September, ready around 1 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across New Zealand, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 13 Sep to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 15 Feb; Under cover 16 Aug to 15 Feb, and 28 Feb to 15 Mar

Sow outdoors: 13 Sep to 12 Jan, and 31 Jan to 15 Feb
Under cover: 16 Aug to 15 Feb, and 28 Feb to 15 Mar
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 13 September, ready around 25 October.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across New Zealand, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 30 Jul to 14 Mar; Under cover 2 Jul to 11 Apr

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 14 Mar
Under cover: 2 Jul to 11 Apr
First harvest: About 92 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 30 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across New Zealand, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 26 Aug to 27 Mar; Under cover 29 Jul to 24 Apr

Sow outdoors: 26 Aug to 27 Mar
Under cover: 29 Jul to 24 Apr
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on 26 August, ready around 21 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across New Zealand, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 30 Jul to 14 Nov, and 31 Jan to 16 Feb; Under cover 2 Jul to 12 Dec, and 3 Jan to 19 Jan, and 31 Jan to 16 Feb, and 28 Feb to 16 Mar

Sow outdoors: 30 Jul to 14 Nov, and 31 Jan to 16 Feb
Under cover: 2 Jul to 12 Dec, and 3 Jan to 19 Jan, and 31 Jan to 16 Feb, and 28 Feb to 16 Mar
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 26 Aug to 4 Jun; Under cover 29 Jul to 2 Jul

Sow outdoors: 26 Aug to 4 Jun
Under cover: 29 Jul to 2 Jul
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 30 Jul to 23 Oct, and 31 Jan to 15 Feb; Under cover 2 Jul to 20 Nov, and 3 Jan to 18 Jan, and 31 Jan to 15 Feb, and 28 Feb to 15 Mar

Plant outdoors: 30 Jul to 23 Oct, and 31 Jan to 15 Feb
Under cover: 2 Jul to 20 Nov, and 3 Jan to 18 Jan, and 31 Jan to 15 Feb, and 28 Feb to 15 Mar
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 15 May to 13 Jul; Under cover 17 Apr to 10 Aug

Plant outdoors: 15 May to 13 Jul
Under cover: 17 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 26 Apr to 13 Jul; Under cover 29 Mar to 10 Aug

Plant outdoors: 26 Apr to 13 Jul
Under cover: 29 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

Also covers

Stoke, and nearby villages. Dates are within a few days across the area.

Questions about growing in Nelson

When is the last frost in Nelson?

On average around 8 September, and the first autumn frost comes around 3 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 Nelson?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 31 Oct to 4 Dec, or under cover 3 Oct to 1 Jan.

What can I sow in Nelson 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 Nelson. 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