Herbs
Chives
A clump of leaves to cut above the crown and allow to regrow.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec
Core months: January, February, March, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: September
Temperate
Sow · Jan–Mar, Sep–Dec
Core months: January, February, March, September, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: April, August
Subtropical
Sow · All year
Core months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Tropical
Sow · Mar–Jul
Core months: March, April, May, June, July
Possible / shoulder months: January, February, August, September, October, November, December
Arid
Sow · Jan–Apr, Sep–Dec
Core months: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Possible / shoulder months: May
Getting started
Sow seed in clumps, or divide an established clump and replant the rooted sections at the same depth.
The right conditions
Choose sun to light shade and fertile, free-draining soil; protect from harsh heat where appropriate.
As it grows
Water while establishing, then avoid prolonged waterlogging. Trim or pinch regularly to encourage useful leafy growth and airflow.
Ready to harvest
Cut leaves a few centimetres above the crown and allow the clump to regrow; take edible flowers only from unsprayed plants.
Related how-to guides
Divide a healthy clumping perennial
Confirm the plant forms a divisible clump; a single woody trunk or taproot is not a clump to split.
Harvest herbs and pinch basil for more growth
Identify the culinary herb and edible part.
Harvest edible flowers safely
Confirm the exact species and edible part.
Plant guidance: Desk-reviewed; not field-tested. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.