March Sowing Guide for the Western Cape
Hello Autumn
March marks the start of autumn in the Western Cape, bringing cooler evenings, gentler sun, and ideal conditions for sowing a wide range of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and bulbs. With winter rainfall on the horizon, now is the perfect time to get seeds into the soil and set your garden up for success over the coming months.
Whether you’re growing food, flowers, or both, here’s what you can sow this March.
Herbs to Sow in March
Autumn is excellent for herbs that prefer cooler growing conditions and steady moisture.
- Dill
- Parsley
- Spring Onion
- Coriander
- Rocket
- Chives
These herbs do well when sown directly into garden beds or containers with good drainage.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens thrive as temperatures cool and are ideal for continuous harvesting.
- Swiss Chard
- Lettuce
- Radicchio
- Kale
- Spinach
- Pak Choi
- Tatsoi
Keep soil consistently moist and consider succession sowing for a steady supply.
Vegetables to Sow Now
March is prime time for brassicas and cool-season crops in the Western Cape.
- Broccoli
- Kohlrabi
- Cabbage
- Chinese Cabbage
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Leeks
- Onions
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Peas
- Endive
Many of these crops benefit from being started in seed trays and transplanted once established.
Flowers for Autumn & Winter Colour
Sow now for beautiful blooms through winter and spring.
- Alyssum
- Snapdragons
- Stocks
- Pansies
- Larkspur
- Sweet Peas
- Poppies
- Violas & Pansies
- Cornflowers
- Delphiniums
- Primula
- Foxgloves
- Scabiosa africana
- Virginian Stock
These flowers are perfect for garden beds, borders, and pollinator-friendly spaces.
Root Crops
Root crops love the cooler soil temperatures of autumn.
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Turnips
- Parsnips
Sow directly into well-prepared soil and keep evenly watered to avoid splitting.
Bulbs – Sow at the End of March
As the month draws to a close, it’s time to plant summer-flowering bulbs.
- Ranunculus
- Ixias
- Babianas
- Freesias
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant bulbs at the recommended depth.
March Gardening Tips for the Western Cape
- Prepare beds with compost to improve soil structure before winter rains
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Watch for early pests while the weather is still mild
- Water deeply but less frequently as temperatures cool
