October in Brisbane is spring, when warm-season crops go in once frost risk has passed. Here’s exactly what to sow from seed, plant as seedlings, and harvest this month in a subtropical climate, tuned to Brisbane’s frosts and temperatures, not a generic national calendar.
Typical Temps
11-31°C
winter low to summer high
Frost
Frost-free
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Queensland
Frost watch: Brisbane's subtropical climate is frost-free across the city. Only elevated inland spots (Toowoomba, the Scenic Rim) see light frosts, the urban area grows year-round. See frost dates for every city →
Brisbane's subtropical summers are tough on cool-season crops, don't fight the season. Focus July-September on your best planting window for tomatoes and capsicum.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and early blight thrive in Brisbane's humid summers, choose disease-resistant tomato varieties and avoid overhead watering.
Sweet potato is a Brisbane superstar, plant slips in October and harvest 4-5 months later. It handles the summer heat better than almost any other crop.
Brisbane winters are mild enough to grow tomatoes (plant in March-April for winter harvest), something gardeners in southern states can only dream about.
From the makers
This calendar tells you what's possible in October, Plant Planner tells you exactly how many of each crop to grow for your family, how to arrange them in your beds, and sends reminders so you never miss a window.
In October, Brisbane gardeners can sow Sweetcorn, Cucumber, Zucchini, Beans, Pumpkin, Basil and more from seed, and plant out Tomato (last), Capsicum, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini as seedlings. Brisbane sits in the Subtropical climate zone, so these picks are timed to local conditions.
October falls in spring, when warm-season crops go in once frost risk has passed. In Brisbane, expect winter lows around 11°C and summer highs near 31°C. Brisbane's subtropical climate is frost-free across the city. Only elevated inland spots (Toowoomba, the Scenic Rim) see light frosts, the urban area grows year-round.
Yes, October is a suitable window to start or plant tomatoes in Brisbane. Give them full sun, support, and consistent watering. See the full month-by-month calendar for the rest of the season.
In a Brisbane garden, October typically brings harvests of Tomato, Capsicum, Lettuce (bolt-resistant), Silverbeet, Spring Onion. Actual timing depends on when each crop was planted.