Planting guide

What to plant in Cape Town, South Africa in September

Mediterranean · Western Cape Southern Hemisphere September

September is spring in Cape Town's Mediterranean climate. The winter rains are tapering and temperatures are climbing, opening the main window for summer vegetables — get them in now while there's still soil moisture, before the hot, dry, windy summer sets in.

Plant now

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant

Plant out now to establish before the dry summer; the warming soil suits them well.

Beans, cucumber, squash, sweetcorn

Warm-season crops to direct-sow now for a summer harvest.

Lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard

Still viable in the mild early spring; give them some afternoon shade as it warms.

Basil and summer herbs

Plant now to pair with the tomato bed.

Sunflowers and summer annuals

Sow now for colour through the summer.

Timing notes

  • Cape Town summers are hot, dry and windy — plant now while there is still residual soil moisture from the winter rains, and set up irrigation before you need it.
  • Mulch heavily to conserve moisture heading into the dry season.
  • Stake tall seedlings against the strong spring southeaster (the "Cape Doctor").
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