Winter in South Africa can be a great time to plant a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs in your garden. With the cooler temperatures and shorter days, it’s the perfect time to start planning and preparing for a successful gardening season. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best plants to consider planting in winter in South Africa, along with some tips for success.
- Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Lettuce seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Lettuce seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Lettuce does well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Radishes
Radishes are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Radish seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Radish seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Radishes do well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Spinach
Spinach is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Spinach seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Spinach seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Spinach does well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.

- Peas
Peas are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Pea seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Pea seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Peas do well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. They can be grown in a traditional garden bed or in a container, such as a hanging basket or trellis.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Broccoli seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers.
- Cabbage
Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Cabbage seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Cabbage seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Cabbage does well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Kale
Kale is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Kale seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Kale seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Kale does well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Carrots
Carrots are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Carrot seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Carrot seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Carrots do well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Beets
Beets are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Beet seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Beet seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Beets do well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.

- Onions
Onions are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Onion seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Onion seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Onions do well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Garlic
Garlic is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Garlic bulbs can be planted directly in the ground or started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up. Garlic bulbs do best in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Potatoes
Potatoes are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Potato seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can plant potato seeds directly in the ground. Potato seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Potatoes do well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Cauliflower seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Cauliflower seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Cauliflower does well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Turnips
Turnips are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Turnip seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Turnip seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Turnips do
well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Mustard greens

Mustard greens are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Mustard green seeds can be started indoors in pots or containers and then transplanted outside when the weather warms up, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. Mustard green seeds germinate best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water regularly. Mustard greens do well in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
In addition to these vegetables, there are also a variety of flowers and herbs that can be planted in winter in South Africa. Some options to consider include pansies, snapdragons, and sweet peas for flowers, and parsley, rosemary, and thyme for herbs.
By following these tips and choosing the right plants for your garden, you can enjoy a thriving and productive garden all year round in South Africa. So, these are some additional plants that you can consider planting in winter in South Africa.