For most plants, Autumn is by far the best time for planting in Cape Town. The dry, hot summer weather will be safely in the past, while the soil temperatures will still be high enough for new root growth, particularly in April. This will give plants time to grow new roots and establish themselves before Summer arrives again. Since the plant will focus on its roots in Autumn, when Spring comes it will be ready for a flush of new growth and flowers.
Plants require the most water during the first 4 months or so after they've been planted - so let nature do the watering for you when the winter rains arrive! You would need to water your new plants a lot more if you planted them in Spring or Summer.
Never, ever, ever plant something in Summer. Cape Town's heat, wind and dryness during Summer makes it the worst possible time for plants to be planted out in the garden. (Not to mention how hot and sweaty you would be yourself!)
* As with most things, there are always exceptions - some annual 6-packs may still be planted in Spring, while planting times for bulbs will depend on the individual bulb species. When a plant is featured on this blog it will include details on the best time to plant it.
Plants require the most water during the first 4 months or so after they've been planted - so let nature do the watering for you when the winter rains arrive! You would need to water your new plants a lot more if you planted them in Spring or Summer.
Never, ever, ever plant something in Summer. Cape Town's heat, wind and dryness during Summer makes it the worst possible time for plants to be planted out in the garden. (Not to mention how hot and sweaty you would be yourself!)
* As with most things, there are always exceptions - some annual 6-packs may still be planted in Spring, while planting times for bulbs will depend on the individual bulb species. When a plant is featured on this blog it will include details on the best time to plant it.