When to plant Catnip in Arid Australia

Arid zone — applies to Alice Springs, Mildura, Broken Hill, Kalgoorlie, Port Augusta and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Temperate · Cool · Subtropical · Tropical.

Sow catnip by raising seedlings from August to October, then transplant once they are sturdy. Barely cover the fine seed at about 5 mm and keep trays warm; germination runs 7–21 days and can be improved by chilling seed in the fridge for a few days first. This hardy perennial reaches usable size in 80–100 days, and mature plants spread wide, so space them a generous 60 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. In Alice Springs and Mildura, a late-winter start gets seedlings established before the fierce heat arrives.

Sowing calendar — arid zone

Green months are your sowing window: August to October.

Growing notes

Catnip is a hardy, drought-tolerant member of the mint family that copes with arid conditions far better than most herbs once established. It prefers full sun to light shade and free-draining soil, and it actively dislikes wet feet.

The most common failure here is not the plant dying but the plant being flattened, because cats will roll on and shred young seedlings. Protect new transplants with a wire cloche or a few sticks until they toughen up. Beyond that, overwatering in heavy soil is the real risk; catnip rots in soggy ground, so water deeply but let the soil dry between drinks, especially through a Broken Hill winter when growth slows.

In the peak of an arid summer, plants can look tired and may brown off; cut them back hard and they will reshoot when temperatures ease. Light afternoon shade helps them through the worst weeks. Pinch tips regularly to keep growth bushy and to delay flowering if you want leafier plants, or let it flower to draw in bees and hoverflies. Harvest leaves and stems just as flowering begins, when the aromatic oils are strongest, and dry them in a shaded, airy spot for use later.

Catnip at a glance

Common questions

how do you grow catnip from seed in a dry climate

Raise seedlings from August to October, barely covering the fine seed, and transplant once sturdy. Chilling the seed for a few days before sowing improves germination, and established plants tolerate arid heat well.

why do my catnip seedlings keep getting crushed

Cats are drawn to catnip and will roll on and flatten young plants. Protect new transplants with a wire cloche or a ring of sticks until they are large and tough enough to bounce back.

does catnip survive hot summers in mildura

Yes, it is drought tolerant and hardy, though it may brown off in the peak heat. Cut it back hard, give it light afternoon shade, and it will reshoot as temperatures ease.

when should you harvest catnip

Harvest leaves and stems just as flowering begins, when the aromatic oils are at their strongest. Dry the cuttings in a shaded, airy place to store for later use.

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