January · Midsummer

What to sow in January in Christchurch

41 crops are in their window this month in Christchurch — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 9 Nov
First frost≈ 10 Apr
Frost-free days99 days
January averages11°–24°C

Vegetables

36 in season
Amaranth Greens
Direct sow · pinch tips often for a steady flush of tender greens
All month
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
All month
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Closes 4 Jan
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Closes 30 Jan
Broccoli
Transplant seedlings · keep soil evenly moist for tight, tender heads
Closes 20 Jan

Herbs

5 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
All month
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
All month
Epazote
Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere
Closes 30 Jan
Fenugreek (Methi)
Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more
All month
Rosemary
Transplant seedlings · germinates slowly, cuttings are far more reliable
Closes 4 Jan

Fruit · nothing to sow this month