WhatoGrow

When to plant chilli in Melbourne

Melbourne sits in Australia's cool temperate zone. Computed from Melbourne's Bureau of Meteorology climate averages, here is the chilli window:

Sow

December – March

Transplant

Harvest

April

Cool temperate zone tip

Choose Cayenne, Jalapeño, or Hungarian Hot Wax in Melbourne, faster-maturing varieties make the difference between a harvest and an empty plant.

Frost matters here: the last frost around Melbourne typically falls in September, with the first returning around May. Chilli is frost-sensitive, so keep it inside that frost-free run.

Full chilli growing guide →Everything to plant in Melbourne

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Frequently asked questions

When can I plant chilli in Melbourne?

In Melbourne (cool temperate zone), sow seed December – March. Harvest typically runs April.

Can you grow chilli in Melbourne?

Yes — chilli grows well around Melbourne when planted in its window. Choose Cayenne, Jalapeño, or Hungarian Hot Wax in Melbourne, faster-maturing varieties make the difference between a harvest and an empty plant.