Auckland, New Zealand

Planting calendar for Otara

Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors 7 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 12 Mar.

Frost: Frost is rare here

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

Carrot
Parsnip
Pea
Shallot
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Chives

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Otara. 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 Otara, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun
Fruiting
Tomato	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Chilli	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Aubergine	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: 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
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 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
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 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
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 outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Sweetcorn	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
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 under cover	January: Sow 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
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: 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
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 outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and 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: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover
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: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
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 outdoors and under cover
Swiss chard	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
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 outdoors and 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: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and 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 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
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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	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: Not this month	April: Sow 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 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 under cover	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 outdoors and 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: Not this month	April: Plant 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: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and 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
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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
Broccoli	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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow under cover
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 outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and 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 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow under cover
Pak choi	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 outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover
Herbs
Basil	July: Not this month	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
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 outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
Coriander	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
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: 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow under cover
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 outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
RaspberryWinters 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
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 7 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 12 Mar; Under cover 10 Oct to 9 Apr

Sow outdoors: 7 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 12 Mar
Under cover: 10 Oct to 9 Apr
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 7 November, ready around 12 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across New Zealand, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 5 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 6 Apr; Under cover 8 Oct to 4 May

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 6 Apr
Under cover: 8 Oct to 4 May
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 28 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across New Zealand, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 13 Nov to 23 Dec, and 8 Feb to 26 Mar; Under cover 16 Oct to 23 Apr

Sow outdoors: 13 Nov to 23 Dec, and 8 Feb to 26 Mar
Under cover: 16 Oct to 23 Apr
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 13 November, ready around 30 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across New Zealand, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 13 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 28 Apr; Under cover 16 Oct to 26 May

Sow outdoors: 13 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 28 Apr
Under cover: 16 Oct to 26 May
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 13 November, ready around 11 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across New Zealand, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 5 Nov to 8 Jan, and 8 Feb to 30 Mar; Under cover 8 Oct to 27 Apr

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 8 Jan, and 8 Feb to 30 Mar
Under cover: 8 Oct to 27 Apr
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 11 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across New Zealand, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 5 Nov to 8 Jan, and 8 Feb to 25 Mar; Under cover 8 Oct to 22 Apr

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 8 Jan, and 8 Feb to 25 Mar
Under cover: 8 Oct to 22 Apr
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 17 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across New Zealand, town by town

SquashOutdoors 5 Nov to 23 Dec, and 8 Feb to 15 Mar; Under cover 8 Oct to 12 Apr

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 23 Dec, and 8 Feb to 15 Mar
Under cover: 8 Oct to 12 Apr
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 10 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across New Zealand, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 28 Oct to 23 Dec, and 8 Feb to 14 Mar; Under cover 30 Sep to 11 Apr

Sow outdoors: 28 Oct to 23 Dec, and 8 Feb to 14 Mar
Under cover: 30 Sep to 11 Apr
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 28 October, ready around 27 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across New Zealand, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 8 Feb to 9 May, and 1 Jun to 5 Nov; Under cover 11 Jan to 3 Dec

Sow outdoors: 8 Feb to 9 May, and 1 Jun to 5 Nov
Under cover: 11 Jan to 3 Dec
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 8 February, ready around 9 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across New Zealand, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 8 Feb to 20 Apr; Under cover 11 Jan to 18 May, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec

Sow outdoors: 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 8 Feb to 20 Apr
Under cover: 11 Jan to 18 May, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 14 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across New Zealand, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 8 Feb to 13 Oct; Under cover 11 Jan to 10 Nov

Sow outdoors: 8 Feb to 13 Oct
Under cover: 11 Jan to 10 Nov
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 8 February, ready around 27 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across New Zealand, town by town

RadishOutdoors 28 Jul to 20 Jun; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: 28 Jul to 20 Jun
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 21 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 18 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across New Zealand, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 8 Feb to 22 Sep; Under cover 11 Jan to 20 Oct

Plant outdoors: 8 Feb to 22 Sep
Under cover: 11 Jan to 20 Oct
First harvest: About 60 days after planting. Planted on 8 February, ready around 9 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across New Zealand, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 20 Jul to 15 May; Under cover 22 Jun to 12 Jun

Sow outdoors: 20 Jul to 15 May
Under cover: 22 Jun to 12 Jun
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 25 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across New Zealand, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 21 Jun to 29 May; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: 21 Jun to 29 May
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 21 June, ready around 2 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across New Zealand, town by town

SpinachOutdoors all year

Sow outdoors: all year
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 34 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 4 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across New Zealand, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 20 Jul to 15 May; Under cover 22 Jun to 12 Jun

Sow outdoors: 20 Jul to 15 May
Under cover: 22 Jun to 12 Jun
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 25 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across New Zealand, town by town

RocketOutdoors all year

Sow outdoors: all year
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 31 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 1 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across New Zealand, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 8 Feb to 26 Sep; Under cover 11 Jan to 24 Oct

Sow outdoors: 8 Feb to 26 Sep
Under cover: 11 Jan to 24 Oct
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 8 February, ready around 27 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across New Zealand, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 28 Oct to 8 Jan, and 8 Feb to 19 Mar; Under cover 30 Sep to 16 Apr

Sow outdoors: 28 Oct to 8 Jan, and 8 Feb to 19 Mar
Under cover: 30 Sep to 16 Apr
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 28 October, ready around 21 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across New Zealand, town by town

French beanOutdoors 28 Oct to 30 Mar; Under cover 30 Sep to 27 Apr

Sow outdoors: 28 Oct to 30 Mar
Under cover: 30 Sep to 27 Apr
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on 28 October, ready around 30 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across New Zealand, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 25 Apr to 28 Jul; Under cover 28 Mar to 25 Aug

Sow outdoors: 25 Apr to 28 Jul
Under cover: 28 Mar to 25 Aug
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 25 April, ready around 1 December.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across New Zealand, town by town

PeaOutdoors 28 Jul to 28 Oct, and 8 Feb to 11 Apr; Under cover 11 Jan to 9 May, and 30 Jun to 25 Nov

Sow outdoors: 28 Jul to 28 Oct, and 8 Feb to 11 Apr
Under cover: 11 Jan to 9 May, and 30 Jun to 25 Nov
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 19 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across New Zealand, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 8 Feb to 17 Sep; Under cover 11 Jan to 15 Oct

Plant outdoors: 8 Feb to 17 Sep
Under cover: 11 Jan to 15 Oct
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on 8 February, ready around 3 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across New Zealand, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 25 Apr to 28 Jul; Under cover 28 Mar to 25 Aug

Plant outdoors: 25 Apr to 28 Jul
Under cover: 28 Mar to 25 Aug
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 25 April, ready around 31 December.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across New Zealand, town by town

LeekOutdoors 8 Feb to 12 Nov; Under cover 11 Jan to 10 Dec

Sow outdoors: 8 Feb to 12 Nov
Under cover: 11 Jan to 10 Dec
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 8 February, ready around 9 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across New Zealand, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors all year

Sow outdoors: all year
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 17 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across New Zealand, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 8 Feb to 10 Oct; Under cover 11 Jan to 7 Nov

Plant outdoors: 8 Feb to 10 Oct
Under cover: 11 Jan to 7 Nov
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on 8 February, ready around 27 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across New Zealand, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 8 Feb to 27 Nov; Under cover 11 Jan to 25 Dec

Sow outdoors: 8 Feb to 27 Nov
Under cover: 11 Jan to 25 Dec
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 8 February, ready around 15 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across New Zealand, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 12 Jul to 26 Oct, and 8 Feb to 13 Apr; Under cover 11 Jan to 11 May, and 14 Jun to 23 Nov

Sow outdoors: 12 Jul to 26 Oct, and 8 Feb to 13 Apr
Under cover: 11 Jan to 11 May, and 14 Jun to 23 Nov
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on 12 July, ready around 6 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across New Zealand, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 8 Feb to 28 Oct; Under cover 11 Jan to 25 Nov

Sow outdoors: 8 Feb to 28 Oct
Under cover: 11 Jan to 25 Nov
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 8 February, ready around 21 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across New Zealand, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 8 Feb to 27 Sep; Under cover 11 Jan to 25 Oct

Sow outdoors: 8 Feb to 27 Sep
Under cover: 11 Jan to 25 Oct
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 8 February, ready around 27 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across New Zealand, town by town

KaleOutdoors 17 Jul to 10 Nov, and 8 Feb to 22 Apr; Under cover 11 Jan to 20 May, and 19 Jun to 8 Dec

Sow outdoors: 17 Jul to 10 Nov, and 8 Feb to 22 Apr
Under cover: 11 Jan to 20 May, and 19 Jun to 8 Dec
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on 17 July, ready around 8 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across New Zealand, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 24 Aug to 5 Jun; Under cover 27 Jul to 3 Jul

Sow outdoors: 24 Aug to 5 Jun
Under cover: 27 Jul to 3 Jul
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on 24 August, ready around 16 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across New Zealand, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 24 Aug to 1 Apr; Under cover 27 Jul to 29 Apr

Sow outdoors: 24 Aug to 1 Apr
Under cover: 27 Jul to 29 Apr
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 24 August, ready around 12 November.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across New Zealand, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 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 6°C.

Parsley across New Zealand, town by town

CorianderOutdoors all year

Sow outdoors: all year
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 37 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 7 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across New Zealand, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 20 Jul to 13 Oct, and 8 Feb to 19 Apr; Under cover 11 Jan to 17 May, and 22 Jun to 10 Nov

Sow outdoors: 20 Jul to 13 Oct, and 8 Feb to 19 Apr
Under cover: 11 Jan to 17 May, and 22 Jun to 10 Nov
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 all year

Sow outdoors: all year
Under cover: all year
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 8 Feb to 3 May, and 20 Jun to 27 Sep; Under cover 11 Jan to 25 Oct

Plant outdoors: 8 Feb to 3 May, and 20 Jun to 27 Sep
Under cover: 11 Jan to 25 Oct
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Strawberry across New Zealand, town by town

RaspberryNot 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.

Raspberry across New Zealand, town by town

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.

Rhubarb across New Zealand, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Otara

Does it frost in Otara?

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 Otara?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 7 Nov to 16 Dec, and 8 Feb to 12 Mar, or under cover 10 Oct to 9 Apr.

What can I sow in Otara in November?

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

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 Otara. 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