Wormwood Seeds - Artemesia Absinthium - Common Wormwood

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 4-9 - Grows as a hardy perennial. It is a highly resilient plant that can withstand a wide range of conditions, but it is not suited for extremely hot, humid climates or cold, wet conditions.

Best performance in Zones 4-8, where it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

Northern zones (4-6) - Plant seeds in early spring after the last frost date. Can also be fall-sown, allowing the seeds to naturally stratify over the winter.

Hot climate zones (8-9) - Plant in early spring or fall. Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering, as high heat and humidity combined with wet soil can lead to root rot.

Soil temperature critical - Germination is best in a cool soil, with optimal soil temperature of 60-70F. Seeds require light to germinate, so they should not be covered.

Growing season needs - As a perennial, it will establish a strong root system in the first year and return each spring, growing more robustly over time.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Sow seeds outdoors in early spring after the last frost date or in late fall. For a head start, you can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Seeds require light to germinate, so surface sowing is recommended.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Wormwood thrives in poor, dry to average, well-draining soil. It is highly adaptable and does not require rich soil. In fact, rich, fertile soil can lead to leggy, less-aromatic growth.

Starting Seeds:

Sowing Indoors: Fill seed starting trays with a well-draining mix. Sprinkle the tiny seeds on the surface of the soil and do not cover.

Sowing Outdoors: Prepare a seedbed by raking the soil smooth. Scatter the seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil.

Water from the bottom or mist the soil gently to avoid disturbing the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Germination typically takes 10-20 days.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Water regularly until the plants are established. Once mature, wormwood is very drought-tolerant and requires little to no supplemental watering.

Thinning: Thin seedlings to a spacing of 18-24 inches apart.

Pruning: To maintain a bushy shape and prevent the plant from getting too leggy, you can prune it back by about one-third in early spring.

Harvesting: Harvest the foliage and flowering tops in late spring to early summer before the flowers open. Cut stems and hang in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.

Important Considerations:
Wormwood contains a compound called absinthin, which can be allelopathic, meaning it can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. It is best to plant it away from other vegetables or delicate flowers. It can also be very vigorous and spread via its root system, so consider planting it in a contained area or in a location where its spread is not an issue.