Artemisia annua — Sweet Wormwood. Sweet wormwood develops finely divided, aromatic foliage carried on an upright framework of stems. It brings volume and light texture to aromatic plant gardens. Grow it to observe a tall annual developing through the season; this description does not propose a food use or any medicinal preparation. These organic annual herb seeds from Jardins de l’écoumène let you start your own plants and follow their development from sowing onward. Plan the arrangement around each plant’s mature habit and the distance from which the flowers will be viewed.
Recommended planting period: April to June. Sow on the surface, without covering. Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Transplant the young flowering plants once their true leaves have developed and their roots hold the root ball together. Handle the seedlings gently and avoid squeezing their delicate stems. Under grow lights, gradually space the containers farther apart so that the foliage does not overlap. Hardening off then prepares the plants for outdoor sunlight, wind and changes in temperature.
Sweet wormwood forms finely divided foliage that gives volume to a planting. Reserve enough space for this plant: its development in the garden can go far beyond the delicate appearance of young seedlings. Plan the arrangement around each plant’s mature habit and the distance from which the flowers will be viewed. Position smaller flowers close to a path for easy viewing, while taller plants can provide a focal point at the back of a bed. Repeat groups of the same variety to create a clear, visible colour pattern. Leave room to reach the plants for cutting, and avoid crowding clumps simply to fill the space right away.
Light and life cycle
In the garden
Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Annual
Sowing and germination
Sowing guide
Sowing & germination
Sowing depth
Surface, without covering
Germination temperature
18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)
Germination time
10 to 20 days
Sowing period
April to June
Propagation
From seed
Growing method
Recommended planting period: April to June. Sow on the surface, without covering. Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Transplant the young flowering plants once their true leaves have developed and their roots hold the root ball together. Handle the seedlings gently and avoid squeezing their delicate stems. Under grow lights, gradually space the containers farther apart so that the foliage does not overlap. Hardening off then prepares the plants for outdoor sunlight, wind and changes in temperature. Plant outdoors once the conditions are suitable for the plants’ cold tolerance. Watch the progression from flower buds to open blooms and faded flowers to decide which care the plant needs. A cut must preserve the shoots that will bloom afterwards. Check the supports on tall-stemmed plants after a period of strong wind. Lightly removing damaged growth helps maintain the plant’s shape without leaving it bare. Adapt the end of the season to the cycle of the plant: annuals and perennials do not require the same preparation for winter. Choose between prolonging flowering and keeping seeds on a few stems.
Soil and care
Soil and care
Soil & care
Moisture
Keep the growing mix moist during germination, without standing water; then adjust to the crop
Watering
Keep mild moisture during germination and establishment, without saturating the soil. When the plant is well rooted, let the soil surface dry between waterings and ensure excellent drainage. A recent rain can make additional input unnecessary. In a container, check the pot before adding water and empty the saucers. Avoid keeping the glue in wet soil, especially when temperatures drop or growth slows.
Soil type
Prepare well-drained soil for planting. Transplant the young flowering plants once their true leaves have developed and their roots hold the root ball together. Handle the seedlings gently and avoid squeezing their delicate stems. Under grow lights, gradually space the containers farther apart so that the foliage does not overlap. Hardening off then prepares the plants for outdoor sunlight, wind and changes in temperature.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.
Seasonal care
Sweet wormwood forms finely divided foliage that gives volume to a planting. Reserve enough space for this plant: its development in the garden can go far beyond the delicate appearance of young seedlings. Transplant the young flowering plants once their true leaves have developed and their roots hold the root ball together. Handle the seedlings gently and avoid squeezing their delicate stems. Under grow lights, gradually space the containers farther apart so that the foliage does not overlap. Hardening off then prepares the plants for outdoor sunlight, wind and changes in temperature. Plant outdoors once the conditions are suitable for the plants’ cold tolerance. Watch the progression from flower buds to open blooms and faded flowers to decide which care the plant needs. A cut must preserve the shoots that will bloom afterwards. Check the supports on tall-stemmed plants after a period of strong wind. Lightly removing damaged growth helps maintain the plant’s shape without leaving it bare. Adapt the end of the season to the cycle of the plant: annuals and perennials do not require the same preparation for winter. Choose between prolonging flowering and keeping seeds on a few stems. Deadheading is suitable for many annuals, while developing seed heads and dried flower clusters can also provide ornamental interest. Keep plants labelled after flowering ends, and remove self-sown seedlings that are growing in a path. Sweet wormwood develops finely divided, aromatic foliage carried on an upright framework of stems.
Growing in containers
Container growing
Container growing
Recommended pot size
A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in.). A flowering container arrangement should leave enough room for every plant to grow. Place upright plants where they remain visible, and let any trailing stems extend over the container’s edge. Check that the combined plants share the desired exposure and moisture. After a few weeks, check where the plants are becoming crowded and remove only damaged parts or stems that disrupt the balance of the arrangement. Sweet wormwood develops finely divided, aromatic foliage carried on an upright framework of stems. It brings volume and light texture to aromatic plant gardens. Grow it to observe a tall annual developing through the season; this description does not propose a food use or any medicinal preparation. Watch the progression from flower buds to open blooms and faded flowers to decide which care the plant needs. A cut must preserve the shoots that will bloom afterwards. Check the supports on tall-stemmed plants after a period of strong wind. Lightly removing damaged growth helps maintain the plant’s shape without leaving it bare. Check drainage holes regularly.
Growth and harvest
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
80 cm to 1 m (32 to 39 in)
Width / spread
30-60 cm (12-24 in.)
Foliage type
Seasonal foliage
Bloom period
The plant’s usual flowering season extends from July through September. Decide which stems to keep flowering and which to leave in place so that they can develop seeds. Deadheading is suitable for many annuals, while developing seed heads and dried flower clusters can also provide ornamental interest. Keep plants labelled after flowering ends, and remove self-sown seedlings that are growing in a path.
Harvest
July to September
Garden companions
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
In a mixed planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: lavender, sage, rosemary. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. Plan the arrangement around each plant’s mature habit and the distance from which the flowers will be viewed.
Garden use
Plan the arrangement around each plant’s mature habit and the distance from which the flowers will be viewed. Position smaller flowers close to a path for easy viewing, while taller plants can provide a focal point at the back of a bed. Repeat groups of the same variety to create a clear, visible colour pattern. Leave room to reach the plants for cutting, and avoid crowding clumps simply to fill the space right away. Sweet wormwood develops finely divided, aromatic foliage carried on an upright framework of stems. It brings volume and light texture to aromatic plant gardens. Grow it to observe a tall annual developing through the season; this description does not propose a food use or any medicinal preparation. Decide which stems to keep flowering and which to leave in place so that they can develop seeds. Deadheading is suitable for many annuals, while developing seed heads and dried flower clusters can also provide ornamental interest. Keep plants labelled after flowering ends, and remove self-sown seedlings that are growing in a path. Watch the progression from flower buds to open blooms and faded flowers to decide which care the plant needs.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sweet Wormwood from seed?
Recommended planting period: April to June. Sow on the surface, without covering. Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. For germination, keep the soil at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Transplant the young flowering plants once their true leaves have developed and their roots hold the root ball together. Handle the seedlings gently and avoid squeezing their delicate stems. Under grow lights, gradually space the containers farther apart so that the foliage does not overlap. Hardening off then prepares the plants for outdoor sunlight, wind and changes in temperature. Plant outdoors once the conditions are suitable for the plants’ cold tolerance.
Can I grow Sweet Wormwood in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in.). A flowering container arrangement should leave enough room for every plant to grow. Place upright plants where they remain visible, and let any trailing stems extend over the container’s edge. Check that the combined plants share the desired exposure and moisture. After a few weeks, check where the plants are becoming crowded and remove only damaged parts or stems that disrupt the balance of the arrangement. Sweet wormwood develops finely divided, aromatic foliage carried on an upright framework of stems.
How do I care for Sweet Wormwood during the season?
Choose between prolonging flowering and keeping seeds on a few stems. Deadheading is suitable for many annuals, while developing seed heads and dried flower clusters can also provide ornamental interest. Keep plants labelled after flowering ends, and remove self-sown seedlings that are growing in a path. Watch the progression from flower buds to open blooms and faded flowers to decide which care the plant needs. A cut must preserve the shoots that will bloom afterwards. Check the supports on tall-stemmed plants after a period of strong wind. Lightly removing damaged growth helps maintain the plant’s shape without leaving it bare.
How can I use Sweet Wormwood in the garden?
Sweet wormwood forms finely divided foliage that gives volume to a planting. Reserve enough space for this plant: its development in the garden can go far beyond the delicate appearance of young seedlings. Sweet wormwood develops finely divided, aromatic foliage carried on an upright framework of stems. It brings volume and light texture to aromatic plant gardens. Grow it to observe a tall annual developing through the season; this description does not propose a food use or any medicinal preparation. Plan the arrangement around each plant’s mature habit and the distance from which the flowers will be viewed. Position smaller flowers close to a path for easy viewing, while taller plants can provide a focal point at the back of a bed.
How do I arrange a planting of Sweet Wormwood?
Plan the arrangement around each plant’s mature habit and the distance from which the flowers will be viewed. Position smaller flowers close to a path for easy viewing, while taller plants can provide a focal point at the back of a bed. Repeat groups of the same variety to create a clear, visible colour pattern. Leave room to reach the plants for cutting, and avoid crowding clumps simply to fill the space right away. Watch the progression from flower buds to open blooms and faded flowers to decide which care the plant needs. A cut must preserve the shoots that will bloom afterwards. Check the supports on tall-stemmed plants after a period of strong wind.
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