Winter Vegetables

Winter is peak broccoli season. Queensland's Lockyer Valley and Stanthorpe peak in July and August, NSW's Riverina and Windsor follow, and Victoria (which grows close to half of national supply) peaks in August and September, giving the best prices and firmest heads of the year.

Brussels sprouts are at their best in winter, when cold temperatures sweeten them. Victorian farms lead production through the colder months.

Cabbage is a reliable winter staple, with savoy, red and green varieties all at good supply.

Cauliflower thrives in the cold, with winter its strongest season for both supply and tight, white heads.

Celery is available year-round, with Victorian winter crops particularly crisp and a consistent base for soups and stocks from June to August.

Fennel peaks in winter, with crisp bulbs at their best from June to August.

Leeks are at their peak June to August and a consistent base for winter soups and slow-cooked dishes.

Parsnips are sweetened by frost, making winter their best season. Look for them alongside other root vegetables from June to August.

Autumn-harvest pumpkin carries through winter, with butternut and Queensland Blue storing exceptionally well for months.

Spinach, silverbeet and kale all thrive in winter, with supply peaking June to August across southern-state growing regions.