Canterbury, New Zealand

Planting calendar for Rolleston

Last frost around 30 September, first frost around 25 May: about 237 frost-free days.

Last frost: 30 September
First frost: 25 May
Frost-free days: 237

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

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors 6 Nov to 13 Dec; Under cover 9 Oct to 10 Jan

Sow outdoors: 6 Nov to 13 Dec
Under cover: 9 Oct to 10 Jan
First harvest: About 109 days after sowing. Sown on 6 November, ready around 23 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across New Zealand, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 5 Nov to 13 Dec; Under cover 8 Oct to 10 Jan

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 13 Dec
Under cover: 8 Oct to 10 Jan
First harvest: About 122 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 7 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across New Zealand, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 12 Nov to 21 Dec; Under cover 15 Oct to 18 Jan

Sow outdoors: 12 Nov to 21 Dec
Under cover: 15 Oct to 18 Jan
First harvest: About 115 days after sowing. Sown on 12 November, ready around 7 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across New Zealand, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 12 Nov to 13 Dec; Under cover 15 Oct to 10 Jan

Sow outdoors: 12 Nov to 13 Dec
Under cover: 15 Oct to 10 Jan
First harvest: About 116 days after sowing. Sown on 12 November, ready around 8 March.
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; Under cover 8 Oct to 5 Feb

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 8 Jan
Under cover: 8 Oct to 5 Feb
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 9 January.
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; Under cover 8 Oct to 5 Feb

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 8 Jan
Under cover: 8 Oct to 5 Feb
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 20 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across New Zealand, town by town

SquashOutdoors 5 Nov to 21 Dec; Under cover 8 Oct to 18 Jan

Sow outdoors: 5 Nov to 21 Dec
Under cover: 8 Oct to 18 Jan
First harvest: About 110 days after sowing. Sown on 5 November, ready around 23 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across New Zealand, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 29 Oct to 21 Dec; Under cover 1 Oct to 18 Jan

Sow outdoors: 29 Oct to 21 Dec
Under cover: 1 Oct to 18 Jan
First harvest: About 105 days after sowing. Sown on 29 October, ready around 11 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across New Zealand, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 4 Sep to 31 Jan; Under cover 7 Aug to 28 Feb

Sow outdoors: 4 Sep to 31 Jan
Under cover: 7 Aug to 28 Feb
First harvest: About 111 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 24 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across New Zealand, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 4 Sep to 7 Feb; Under cover 7 Aug to 7 Mar

Sow outdoors: 4 Sep to 7 Feb
Under cover: 7 Aug to 7 Mar
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 20 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across New Zealand, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 16 Aug to 21 Nov; Under cover 19 Jul to 19 Dec

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 21 Nov
Under cover: 19 Jul to 19 Dec
First harvest: About 145 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 8 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across New Zealand, town by town

RadishOutdoors 16 Aug to 28 Mar; Under cover 19 Jul to 25 Apr

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 28 Mar
Under cover: 19 Jul to 25 Apr
First harvest: About 31 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 16 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across New Zealand, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 16 Aug to 22 Oct; Under cover 19 Jul to 19 Nov

Plant outdoors: 16 Aug to 22 Oct
Under cover: 19 Jul to 19 Nov
First harvest: About 112 days after planting. Planted on 16 August, ready around 6 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across New Zealand, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 16 Aug to 25 Feb; Under cover 19 Jul to 25 Mar

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 25 Feb
Under cover: 19 Jul to 25 Mar
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 22 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across New Zealand, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 22 Aug to 21 Feb; Under cover 25 Jul to 21 Mar

Sow outdoors: 22 Aug to 21 Feb
Under cover: 25 Jul to 21 Mar
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 22 August, ready around 8 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across New Zealand, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 16 Aug to 30 Mar; Under cover 19 Jul to 27 Apr

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 30 Mar
Under cover: 19 Jul to 27 Apr
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 5 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across New Zealand, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 4 Sep to 25 Feb; Under cover 7 Aug to 25 Mar

Sow outdoors: 4 Sep to 25 Feb
Under cover: 7 Aug to 25 Mar
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 9 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across New Zealand, town by town

RocketOutdoors 16 Aug to 29 Mar; Under cover 19 Jul to 26 Apr

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 29 Mar
Under cover: 19 Jul to 26 Apr
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 29 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across New Zealand, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 28 Jul to 9 Oct; Under cover 30 Jun to 6 Nov

Sow outdoors: 28 Jul to 9 Oct
Under cover: 30 Jun to 6 Nov
First harvest: About 151 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 26 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across New Zealand, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 29 Oct to 8 Jan; Under cover 1 Oct to 5 Feb

Sow outdoors: 29 Oct to 8 Jan
Under cover: 1 Oct to 5 Feb
First harvest: About 96 days after sowing. Sown on 29 October, ready around 2 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across New Zealand, town by town

French beanOutdoors 29 Oct to 31 Jan; Under cover 1 Oct to 28 Feb

Sow outdoors: 29 Oct to 31 Jan
Under cover: 1 Oct to 28 Feb
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 29 October, ready around 14 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across New Zealand, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 5 Apr to 31 May; Under cover 8 Mar to 28 Jun

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 31 May
Under cover: 8 Mar to 28 Jun
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 11 November.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across New Zealand, town by town

PeaOutdoors 16 Aug to 13 Dec; Under cover 19 Jul to 10 Jan

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 13 Dec
Under cover: 19 Jul to 10 Jan
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 14 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across New Zealand, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 10 Aug to 9 Oct; Under cover 13 Jul to 6 Nov

Plant outdoors: 10 Aug to 9 Oct
Under cover: 13 Jul to 6 Nov
First harvest: About 157 days after planting. Planted on 10 August, ready around 14 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across New Zealand, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 5 Apr to 12 Jun; Under cover 8 Mar to 10 Jul

Plant outdoors: 5 Apr to 12 Jun
Under cover: 8 Mar to 10 Jul
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 5 April, ready around 11 December.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across New Zealand, town by town

LeekOutdoors 16 Aug to 8 Jan; Under cover 19 Jul to 5 Feb

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 8 Jan
Under cover: 19 Jul to 5 Feb
First harvest: About 165 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 28 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across New Zealand, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 28 Jul to 16 Mar; Under cover 30 Jun to 13 Apr

Sow outdoors: 28 Jul to 16 Mar
Under cover: 30 Jun to 13 Apr
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 19 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across New Zealand, town by town

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

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

Shallot across New Zealand, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 16 Aug to 31 Jan; Under cover 19 Jul to 28 Feb

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 31 Jan
Under cover: 19 Jul to 28 Feb
First harvest: About 124 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 18 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across New Zealand, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 4 Sep to 8 Jan; Under cover 7 Aug to 5 Feb

Sow outdoors: 4 Sep to 8 Jan
Under cover: 7 Aug to 5 Feb
First harvest: About 100 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 13 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across New Zealand, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 16 Aug to 13 Dec; Under cover 19 Jul to 10 Jan

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 13 Dec
Under cover: 19 Jul to 10 Jan
First harvest: About 134 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 28 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across New Zealand, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 16 Aug to 29 Oct; Under cover 19 Jul to 26 Nov

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 29 Oct
Under cover: 19 Jul to 26 Nov
First harvest: About 190 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 22 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across New Zealand, town by town

KaleOutdoors 4 Sep to 2 Feb; Under cover 7 Aug to 2 Mar

Sow outdoors: 4 Sep to 2 Feb
Under cover: 7 Aug to 2 Mar
First harvest: About 89 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 2 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across New Zealand, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 21 Sep to 13 Mar; Under cover 24 Aug to 10 Apr

Sow outdoors: 21 Sep to 13 Mar
Under cover: 24 Aug to 10 Apr
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 21 September, ready around 9 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across New Zealand, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 30 Sep to 31 Jan; Under cover 2 Sep to 28 Feb

Sow outdoors: 30 Sep to 31 Jan
Under cover: 2 Sep to 28 Feb
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on 30 September, ready around 10 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across New Zealand, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 16 Aug to 27 Feb; Under cover 19 Jul to 27 Mar

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 27 Feb
Under cover: 19 Jul to 27 Mar
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 16 August, ready around 8 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across New Zealand, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 4 Sep to 14 Mar; Under cover 7 Aug to 11 Apr

Sow outdoors: 4 Sep to 14 Mar
Under cover: 7 Aug to 11 Apr
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 29 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across New Zealand, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 16 Aug to 21 Nov; Under cover 19 Jul to 19 Dec

Sow outdoors: 16 Aug to 21 Nov
Under cover: 19 Jul to 19 Dec
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Chives across New Zealand, town by town

MintOutdoors 4 Sep to 21 Apr; Under cover 7 Aug to 19 May

Sow outdoors: 4 Sep to 21 Apr
Under cover: 7 Aug to 19 May
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Mint across New Zealand, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors 16 Aug to 29 Oct; Under cover 19 Jul to 26 Nov

Plant outdoors: 16 Aug to 29 Oct
Under cover: 19 Jul to 26 Nov
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Strawberry across New Zealand, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors 10 May to 13 Jul; Under cover 12 Apr to 10 Aug

Plant outdoors: 10 May to 13 Jul
Under cover: 12 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 21 Apr to 13 Jul; Under cover 24 Mar to 10 Aug

Plant outdoors: 21 Apr to 13 Jul
Under cover: 24 Mar to 10 Aug
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across New Zealand, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Rolleston

When is the last frost in Rolleston?

On average around 30 September, and the first autumn frost comes around 25 May. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Rolleston?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 6 Nov to 13 Dec, or under cover 9 Oct to 10 Jan.

What can I sow in Rolleston 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 Rolleston. 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