Mugwort

What Mugwort is

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a perennial herb of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Various wormwood preparations have been applied to the skin to treat rheumatism or to stimulate circulation. Teas or tinctures are known to be used to treat irregular menstrual cycles, epilepsy and stomach pains.

The plant has beautiful silvery-grey purple leaves. The plants grow to 120-180 cm tall and would be suitable for an annual hedge. Perennial plants die back in winter but will spread, self-seed and grow well even in poor soil.

The herb is known for its bitter taste and distinctive aroma. It is reported to work well against nausea and bad breath. Aids poor digestion thanks to its bile-stimulating properties.

Taking it is especially helpful after eating fatty foods. Wormwood is an antidote to opium. Wild wormwood has warming properties, which can help dispel pathogenic cold and give a pain-relieving and styptic effect.

It is also used for itching and nosebleeds.

Wormwood and tarragon are aromatic perennials — for seasoning, tea, liqueurs and decorative silvery borders.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Seeds per packet: 1530–2070 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; seedlings
• Flowering: July and August
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Mugwort

Mugwort seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower in July and August. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Mugwort

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 40–50 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow the seeds directly, very shallowly, in spring, 4 weeks before the last frost. Thin out or transplant to 30 cm. in all directions; it grows well in almost any conditions. A perennial plant that will self-seed and spread aggressively. The plant has a pleasant smell and a bitter taste. Flowers in July–August.

The seeds are tiny and germinate in light. They tolerate drought.

Harvest and use

The leaves are picked through the season.

Frequently asked questions

When should Mugwort be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 1530–2070 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.