What to grow in Christchurch

A local planting guide for New Zealand — hardiness zone 9b, average frost dates, and the vegetables, herbs and flowers that thrive here.

Christchurch climate at a glance

Decoded from long-run climate normals for Christchurch's location. Use it as a starting point — your own garden's aspect, walls and soil shift these by a week or two.

Hardiness zone
9b
Average winter low
3°C (37°F)
Average summer high
22°C (71°F)
Last spring frost
September 13 (avg)
First fall frost
May 28 (avg)
Frost-free growing season
~257 days
Annual rainfall
725 mm/yr (29 in)
Hot days (≥30°C) per year
~0 days

Best plants for Christchurch

214 plants in the library suit hardiness zone 9b. Tap any one for its sowing calendar, spacing and companions.

Easy starter picks for Christchurch

New to growing? These are forgiving, fast, and can go straight into the ground — a good first season in hardiness zone 9b.

What to sow around July

A seasonal snapshot based on Christchurch's average frost dates. Open the planner for dates tuned to your exact spot.

Plan your Christchurch garden →