Growing Asian Vegetables at Home

Growing Asian Vegetables from Seeds

Asian vegetables are becoming increasingly popular in home gardens across Australia. They’re generally easy to grow, fast to mature, and ideal for adding authentic flavours to home-cooked dishes.

A wide range of Asian vegetable seeds is now available online from reputable mail-order suppliers, making it easier than ever to get started.

Add some Asian Herbs and Spices to your garden for that extra Asian taste.

Many Asian greens—especially those used in stir-fries—are quick-growing leafy vegetables that thrive once the risk of frost has passed. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil enriched with compost or humus for the best results.

Because most varieties grow fast and are harvested young, it’s a good idea to plant them sequentially throughout the season to ensure a steady supply for your kitchen.

While Asian vegetable seeds were once imported mainly from China, Japan, and other parts of Asia, many are now produced locally, giving gardeners access to seed adapted to Australian conditions.

Asian Vegetables: Climate and Planting Guide

Warm to Tropical Climates (Spring to Autumn)

Ideal for northern and coastal regions such as Queensland, northern NSW, and the Top End. These vegetables thrive in warm soils and humid conditions.

• Kangkong (Water Spinach) – Loves heat and moisture; ideal for water gardens.
• Yardlong Beans – Fast-growing climbers suited to summer planting.
• Snake Beans – Best in hot, humid weather with plenty of sun.
• Thai Basil (Horapha) – Grows best from late spring through autumn.
• Holy Basil (Krapao) – Warm-season perennial herb in the tropics.
• Bird’s Eye Chilli – Extremely heat-tolerant and productive in full sun.
• Vietnamese Mint (Rau Ram) – Thrives in steamy conditions; ideal for wet spots.
• Amaranth Greens – Heat-loving, fast-growing summer leafy green.
• Water Celery – Prefers constant moisture and mild warmth.
• Thai Pumpkin – Vigorous grower through the warm season.

Subtropical to Temperate Climates (Spring and Early Summer)

Perfect for coastal NSW, southern Queensland, and parts of Victoria and WA. Warm-season greens and herbs perform well before the heat of midsummer.

• Bok Choy, Pak Choy, and Pak Sum – Quick crops ideal for spring and early summer planting.
• Chinese Eggplant – Plant after frost; thrives in warm, sunny spots.
• Oriental Kale – Suits mild to warm temperatures.
• Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) – Performs best in spring and early summer.
• Choy Sum – Fast-growing, tender stems; ideal for mild weather.
• Chinese Cabbage (Wombok) – Prefers cooler conditions but tolerates spring planting.
• Ashitaba – Best in warm, frost-free climates with partial shade.
• Perilla (Shiso or Zi Su) – Plant once nights stay warm; excellent summer herb.

Cooler and Temperate Climates (Autumn to Spring)

Ideal growing season for southern states including Victoria, Tasmania, and cooler inland regions. Many cooler-weather Asian greens become sweeter with a touch of frost.

• Mizuna – Quick, cold-tolerant green for autumn or early spring sowing.
• Komatsuna – Grows well in cool weather; harvest continuously.
• Daikon Radish – Plant in early autumn for large, crisp roots.
• Tatsoi – Compact and frost-hardy; ideal for winter gardens.
• Oriental Kale – Tolerates cold and produces tender leaves through winter.
• Wasabi Greens – Suited to cool, shaded conditions.
• Mitsuba – Prefers cool, damp spots with partial shade.
• Culantro (Ngo Gai) – Grows slowly in cooler weather; protect from frost.

Recommended Summer Crops for Cooler Climates

Even in cooler temperate areas such as Melbourne, many Asian vegetables will handle summer conditions if kept well-watered and mulched.

Leafy greens (heat‑tolerant)
Try Asian greens that cope better with warm weather than traditional lettuce.

• Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)
• Water Spinach (Kangkong)
• Amaranth (leaf amaranth / Chinese spinach types)
• Tatsoi

Fruiting vegetables
Warm soil and consistent moisture will support a range of productive fruiting crops through summer in cooler zones.

• Snake Beans
• Long Asian Eggplants (e.g. Ping Tung types)
• Okra
• Chilli (including bird’s eye and other Asian types)

Root and other crops

• Daikon Radish – in many cooler areas this can be sown from late summer into autumn for best quality roots.

Asian Vegetables Growing Guides

Where To Buy Asian Vegetable Seeds