Artemisia vulgaris, how to grow the mugwort herb

Stiff, purple-tinged stems carry deeply cut leaves, dark green above and greyer beneath, and in high summer large cream-yellow panicles open over the clump. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) serves both as a kitchen herb for meats, fish and soups and as a digestive infusion; give it light, moist but well-drained soil and it makes a fast, robust plant.

Mugwort at a glance

Latin name	Artemisia vulgaris
Common name	mugwort, wormwood
Family	Asteraceae
Type	perennial, herb plant
Height	up to 5 feet (1.50 m)
Exposure	sunny
Soil	ordinary, even poor
Blooming	summer
Foliage	deciduous
Harvest	end spring → mid-summer

What is Artemisia mugwort?

Mugwort is a rapidly growing, robust perennial with stiff, upright stems tinged with purple. Its leaves, aromatic, are very cut, dark green on top and grayer underneath. In summer, around midsummer to late summer, large cream yellow flower panicles appear.

Did you know?

Stems and leaves of mugwort make for a great insect repellent weedy tea.

• Many wind-pollinated grasses release pollen that is a common hay-fever trigger, so allergy sufferers sometimes choose to cut off the flowering panicles of ornamental grasses before those flowers open and shed pollen.
• Do not confuse it with wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, whose foliage is covered in fine silky hairs giving it a greyish, silvery cast, and which bears small, nodding, yellowish flower heads.

Planting Artemisia vulgaris

Plant density: 1 to 2 plants for 10 square feet (per square meter). For common mugwort to grow, it needs:

• sunlight (even if partial shade is tolerated);
• protection from wind;
• and soil that’s somewhat light, moist but well-drained.

The ideal time to plant it is in early fall (early autumn to mid-autumn): The return of rains and still mild temperatures will aid its recovery.

When it comes to planting Artemisia vulgaris, you just have to:

• Dig a hole about 8 inches deep (20 cm);
• Remove the root ball from the pot and break it up gently to promote root development;
• Place a little bit of potting soil at the bottom of the hole (this step is not mandatory, but it helps the plant to settle);
• Place the plant in the hole and refill it, compacting it well;
• Water it thoroughly;
• Mulch the soil around the plant, to maintain the moisture.

It’s also possible to sow the seeds of common mugwort. In this case, the operation takes place in two steps:

• In spring, spread seeds in a terrine or a pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and sand. Maintain slight moisture in the substrate;
• In early fall, select the most vigorous plants and plant them in open ground, spaced 15.7 to 23.6 inches apart.

Note that sage and common mugwort don’t always get along. Avoid planting them next to each other.

Artemisia plant care

Pay careful attention to watering during dry periods. In winter, add more mulch to maintain a sufficient level for retaining moisture.

Pruning mugwort

In autumn, when foliage starts to wither, cut back the clump an inch (a few centimeters) from the ground. If you wish to prevent excessive plant growth, remove the flowers after blooming.

Propagating common Artemisia

As is often the case with perennial plants, the easiest way to propagate a common artemisia is by dividing it in autumn. It is also possible to sow seeds indoors and then transplant the young plants.

Another option: let nature takes its course, since Artemisia vulgaris easily self-sows. In autumn, collect the new plants and replant them wherever you like.

Diseases and Pests

Resistant to diseases, Artemisia vulgaris does not appear to attract harmful insects.

The mugwort year: what to do and when

Mugwort asks for very little, but each job has its moment. Here is the whole cycle, from sowing to the autumn cut-back, in the order it happens.

Add a thicker mulch in winter and the clump will come back on its own the following spring.

Common Artemisia in cooking

Perfect for all types of recipes, artemisia, as an herb, can accompany both meats and fish, as well as soups or vegetables. In late spring to early summer, harvest only the young shoots, which are the most fragrant; older stems are mostly bitter.

• A sprig or two of mugwort tucked into the roasting tin is the classic partner for fatty meats such as goose, duck or pork.
• Highly concentrated seasonings such as saffron, truffle oil, or fish sauce are best used sparingly because even a small quantity can noticeably flavor an entire dish.

Benefits of Artemisia

 

Artemisia vulgaris possesses vermifuge and anti-inflammatory properties, and can even be used for digestive disorders or painful menstrual periods. For digestive problems and intestinal parasites, drink 1 to 2 cups of infusion per day. The same goes for painful menstruation, where the intake should be done for 8 to 10 days in advance.

• In traditional herbal practice, bitter infusions are customarily taken about 15–30 minutes before a meal rather than after it, on the premise that the bitter taste stimulates digestive secretions.
• Mugwort has a long-standing reputation as a uterine stimulant, so the infusion is avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
• Mugwort pollen is a well-known cause of late-summer hay fever, so cutting the panicles before they open spares sensitive households.

Preparing common Artemisia infusion

• Harvest leaves in midsummer and let them dry.
• Use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves for ½ to ¾ cup of boiling water.
• Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Cover the cup while it steeps, or the aromatic oils drift off with the steam.
• Spread the cut sprigs in a single layer in a warm, airy place out of direct sun, then strip the leaves from the stems once they crumble easily between your fingers.
• Store dried mugwort leaves in an airtight jar away from light, since exposure to air and light gradually depletes their volatile oils and aroma over months of storage.
• Strain the infusion before drinking it, and if the brew tastes bitter, as many herbal infusions do, stirring in a spoonful of honey will soften the flavour.

Precautions

Although natural, the use of medicinal plants is not without contraindications. Therefore, common artemisia may cause skin allergies in certain individuals. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Avoid mugwort infusions altogether during pregnancy, as the plant stimulates the uterus.
• Mugwort pollen is a recognised late-summer hay fever allergen, so cutting off the small greenish flower heads before they open can reduce the pollen released near anyone sensitive in the household.
• People who react to mugwort pollen are often sensitive to celery, carrot and related spices too, a cross-reaction worth knowing before you cook with the leaves.

---

---