When to plant Wormwood in Subtropical Australia

Subtropical zone — applies to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Temperate · Cool · Tropical · Arid.

Raise wormwood seedlings under cover from August to October, then transplant them out once the weather settles. The seed is tiny and needs light to germinate, so press it onto the surface no deeper than 3 mm and keep it just moist. Expect uneven germination over 10–28 days and a mature, silvery, aromatic shrub within 90–120 days. Space plants generously at 60 cm, with rows 60–90 cm apart, because this hardy perennial spreads into a broad clump. In subtropical gardens around Brisbane and Lismore, plant it in the sunniest, best-drained spot you have to counter the summer wet.

Sowing calendar — subtropical zone

Green months are your sowing window: August to October.

Growing notes

Wormwood is a tough Mediterranean herb grown for its silvery, bitter foliage, and traditionally as an insect-repellent border plant. It wants full sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, which is precisely what a humid subtropical garden struggles to provide.

The defining failure here is wet feet. In the summer wet on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, heavy soil stays saturated and the roots rot, while humidity encourages fungal spotting on the leaves. The fix is to plant high: build up a mound or a raised bed, add coarse grit or sand, and never let the plant sit in a low, soggy corner.

Once established it is drought-hardy and needs little feeding; rich soil and heavy watering just make it soft and floppy. Prune it back hard in late winter to keep the shape dense and to remove any tired, spotted growth.

Keep it away from other crops, as wormwood releases growth-suppressing compounds that can stunt nearby seedlings; a dedicated border or a pot suits it best. Cut and dry sprigs any time for use as a natural moth and insect deterrent.

Wormwood at a glance

Common questions

Does wormwood grow in the subtropics?

Yes, but it needs full sun and very sharp drainage to cope with the summer wet. Around Brisbane, plant it on a mound or in a raised bed with added grit. Waterlogged soil is the main thing that kills it.

Why is my wormwood rotting?

Almost always wet feet. Humid subtropical summers keep heavy soil saturated and the roots rot, while damp foliage develops fungal spots. Improve drainage, plant high, and avoid overwatering an established plant.

Can I plant wormwood near vegetables?

Keep a distance. Wormwood releases compounds that can suppress the growth of nearby seedlings. Grow it as a dedicated border or in a pot rather than mixed through a vegetable bed.

How do I use wormwood as an insect repellent?

Cut sprigs and dry them, then tuck them among stored clothes or hang bunches to deter moths and insects. The bitter aromatic foliage is the traditional active part. Fresh sprigs can also be laid around beds.

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