🌱 What to Plant in Spring in Australia: A Complete Guide for Gardeners

🌸 Introduction

Spring in Australia is gardening season at its best. As days get longer and temperatures rise, the soil warms up, seeds germinate faster, and plants burst into growth. Whether you’re dreaming of juicy tomatoes, colourful flowers, or fragrant herbs, spring is the perfect time to get your garden thriving. This guide covers what to plant in spring for all Australian climate zones—from tropical north to cool southern regions.

🥦 Vegetables to Plant in Spring

Spring is the season for warm-weather crops that flourish as soil temperatures rise.

• Tomatoes 🍅 – Sweet, sun-loving, and perfect for garden beds or pots.

• Capsicum & Chillies 🌶 – Great in containers; need full sun.

• Cucumbers 🥒 – Train on trellises to save space.

• Zucchini – Heavy producers; pick young for tender flavour.

• Pumpkins 🎃 – Space-hungry but rewarding.

• Sweetcorn 🌽 – Plant in blocks for better pollination.

• Beans – Climbing and bush types grow fast in warm soil.

• Eggplant 🍆 – Loves the heat and keeps producing into autumn.

🌼 Flowers to Plant in Spring

Flowers not only add beauty but also attract pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden.

• Sunflowers 🌻 – Fast-growing and cheerful.

• Marigolds – Pest deterrents and bright blooms.

• Petunias – Hardy and vibrant in full sun.

• Zinnias – Perfect for long-lasting cut flowers.

• Cosmos – Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly.

🍓 Fruits & Herbs to Plant in Spring

Spring is a great time to start fruiting plants and fresh herbs for summer harvest.

• Strawberries 🍓 – Plant runners early for sweet summer fruit.

• Melons 🍈🍉 – Rockmelon and watermelon love warm soil.

• Basil 🌿 – Perfect companion for tomatoes.

• Mint – Best in pots to prevent spreading.

• Parsley, Coriander, Dill – Sow early in spring before the heat bolts them.

🌏 Climate Zone Tips for Australia

Tropical & Subtropical (QLD, NT, northern NSW):

• Plant passionfruit, pawpaw, okra, and tropical greens.

• Start early in the spring to avoid challenges associated with the wet season.

Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth):

• Delay planting frost-sensitive crops until late spring if frosts still threaten.

• Great for tomatoes, beans, basil, and sunflowers.

Cool/Mountain (Tasmania, highlands):

• Start frost-sensitive plants indoors or in a greenhouse.

• Grow cool-loving greens like spinach and lettuce in early spring.

🌟 Spring Gardening Tips

• Prepare the Soil – Add compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients.

• Mulch – Retain moisture and keep weeds down.

• Water Deeply – Encourage strong root growth.

• Pest Watch – Look out for aphids, snails, and caterpillars.

📌 Key Takeaway

Spring in Australia is the gardener’s playground—a time to plant, nurture, and watch your garden come alive. Whether you’re in tropical Darwin, sunny Brisbane, temperate Sydney, or cool Hobart, there’s something perfect to grow this season. With the right plants for your climate and a little care, your garden will reward you with colour, fragrance, and fresh produce all summer long.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Spring Planting in Australia

Q1: What vegetables grow best in spring in Australia?
Tomatoes, capsicum, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, sweetcorn, beans, and eggplants thrive in spring’s warm, sunny conditions.

Q2: Can I plant flowers in spring?
Yes—sunflowers, marigolds, petunias, zinnias, and cosmos are excellent choices for bright blooms and attracting pollinators.

Q3: Is spring a good time to start herbs?
Absolutely. Basil, parsley, mint, coriander, and dill grow well in spring and provide fresh flavour all summer.

Q4: When should I plant frost-sensitive crops?
In frost-prone areas, wait until late spring or start plants indoors before transplanting outside.

Q5: How can I prepare my soil for spring planting?
Add compost or well-rotted manure, loosen compacted soil, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Q6: What fruits can I plant in spring?
Strawberries, melons, and passionfruit are great choices, especially in warmer regions.