Wormwood

Wormwood — variety description

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial herb of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). With its classic silvery-green foliage and nodding yellow flowers, wormwood is a worthy garden plant and thrives in dry places and full sun.

This is the plant used to make traditional bitters, and also an ingredient of absinthe.

Its traditional use is as an anti-inflammatory.

Of course, an unreasonably high dose or prolonged use may prove toxic due to the accumulation of thujone in the system.

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

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 82%
• Seeds per packet: 170–230 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 Wormwood

Wormwood 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 Wormwood

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

Sow the small seeds on the surface of sandy soil. Sow the seeds directly, very shallowly, in spring, 4 weeks before the last frost. Wormwood is easily grown from seed. Surface sow to a depth of 1.5 mm in pots or trays containing good seed compost. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate. Make sure the compost is kept moist but not wet. Germination usually takes 10 to 24 days at 20°C. 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 Wormwood be sown?

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

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 170–230 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 82%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.