When it comes to gardening in Brisbane and across South East Queensland, timing can make a big difference. While you can order plants online year-round, plant growth, size, and availability change with the seasons. Understanding these patterns helps you choose the best time to buy plants for your garden and know what to expect when ordering.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how plants grow and are supplied throughout the year, how weather events can affect availability, and what the benefits are of planting in each season.

 

 

 

Seasonal Factors That Affect Plant Buying

 

Plant Growth Cycles

• Summer & Autumn: Plants are at their largest, thanks to long, warm days and ideal growing conditions.
• Winter & Spring: Growth slows down. Plants are smaller, and there’s less availability as they take longer to establish.

 

Weather Events

Frost, floods, or extended rain can set plant growth back by a month or two. Growers often cut plants back to encourage new flushes of growth, which impacts availability and size temporarily.

Pricing

Even though plant sizes vary by season, prices don’t. That’s because growers charge by pot size, and the cost of time, labour, and materials is the same year-round.

 

Buying Plants in Spring (September – November)

Spring marks the beginning of the growing season. Plants start to put out fresh growth as the days warm up.

• Availability: Limited. Demand is high as gardeners rush to plant, but plants are only just coming back into growth.
• Plant Size: Smaller compared to summer, though growing quickly.
• Weather: Ideal for establishing new plants – warm but not overly hot.

 

Benefits of buying in Spring:

• Great balance of good weather and active plant growth.
• Plants adapt quickly to their new location before summer arrives.

 

 

Buying Plants in Summer (December – February)

Summer is when plants are at their peak. They’ve had months of warm weather to grow, so this is when you’ll find the biggest selection.

• Availability: Highest of the year. Most species are in stock and at full size.
• Plant Size: Maximum size and maturity.
• Weather: Can be unpredictable. Heat waves, heavy rain, or floods can stress plants.

 

Benefits of buying in Summer:

• Plants are at their most advanced stage, meaning faster establishment.
• A wide choice of varieties available.

 

Watch-outs:

• Extreme weather can impact both supply and planting success. Extra care with watering and shading may be needed.

 

 

Buying Plants in Autumn (March – May)

As temperatures ease, plants begin to slow their growth, but it’s still a strong season for planting.

• Availability: Fair, though some varieties may sell out after Spring and Summer demand.
• Plant Size: Good, though not quite at summer levels.
• Weather: Mild conditions, with some late-season heat possible.

 

Benefits of buying in Autumn:

• Excellent planting weather – cooler temperatures help plants settle in.
• With regular watering, plants can adapt well before winter.

 

 

Buying Plants in Winter (June – September)

Winter is the quietest period for plant growth. Many species conserve energy, and some deciduous plants lose all their leaves.

• Availability: Limited. Many plants are small or cut back, and growers wait for spring growth.
• Plant Size: Smallest of the year.
• Weather: Cold nights can bring frost, and over-watering is a risk in cooler, damp conditions.

 

Benefits of buying in Winter:

• Plants have time to develop strong root systems.
• Winter planting sets the stage for fast growth once spring arrives.
• Natural rainfall reduces transplant shock.

 

 

Quick Takeaways

• Spring: Ideal for planting, smaller plants but good growing conditions.
• Summer: Best availability and largest plants, but watch for heat and heavy rain.
• Autumn: Balanced season, with good conditions for roots to establish.
• Winter: Limited availability and smaller plants, but excellent for root development.

 

 

Ordering Plants Online in Brisbane

At Platypus Plants, we make it simple to order plants online. We personally deliver across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and throughout South East Queensland. While plant sizes vary seasonally, the price remains the same, since growers price by pot size, not plant height.

If you’re planning a garden project, consider the time of year and how it affects both availability and establishment. No matter the season, we source quality plants and deliver them directly to your home, ready for you to plant.

 

 

Related FAQs

1. What is the best time to buy plants in Brisbane?
Spring and autumn are ideal for planting. Summer offers the best availability and largest plants, while winter allows strong root development.

2. Do plant prices change with the season?
No. Prices are based on pot size, not plant size. Labour and materials remain consistent year-round.

3. Can I plant during a Brisbane summer heat wave?
Yes, but plants may need extra care such as more frequent watering or temporary shade.

4. Why are plants smaller in winter?
Growth slows in cooler weather, and some species are cut back to encourage spring regrowth.

5. How does ordering plants online in Brisbane work?
Simply choose your plants on our website, and we’ll deliver them personally to your home or site within South East Queensland.