Mugwort is an a herb with a fascinating history and a wealth of practical uses. Revered for centuries, Mugwort has a rich cultural heritage, finding mention in folklore and herbal traditions across the globe. The name "Mugwort" is thought to originate from its use in flavoring beverages like beer before the widespread use of hops. Mugwort was believed to have magic properties in ancient times; Native Americans believed it could keep ghosts away, while it was worn as protection in medieval and biblical times. "Artemisia" refers to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt. Historically, Mugwort has been used in traditional medicine for its potential therapeutic properties, ranging from digestive aid to stress relief. Mugwort is the principal ingredient in moxibustion, a process in which heat from a burning, cigar-shaped roll of chopped leaves is applied to acupuncture points. In addition to its herbal applications, Mugwort is renowned for its aromatic qualities, making it a favored ingredient in both culinary and ceremonial practices. Embrace the time-honored legacy of Mugwort by incorporating this special herb into your creations and wellness rituals! Advisable to not ingest if carrying child. Also Known As: Riverside Wormwood, Chrysanthemum Weed, Wild Wormwood, Old Uncle Henry, Naughty Man, Old Man, St. John's Plant, Moxa Plant. Plant Name: Mugwort, Common Latin Name: Artemisia vulgaris Days to Germinate: 14-21 Days to Bloom: 60-90 Plant Height: 3 - 6 Feet Spread: 2 - 3 Feet Bloom Diameter: 1/4 Inch Growth Habit: Bush USDA Zones: 3-8 Lifespan: Perennial Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify Mugwort seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting. Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can be separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting. Planting Depth: 1/8 inch Within-Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Between-Row Spacing: 18-24 inches Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig to deeply to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: Mugwort does not require frequent fertilization. If foliage is less than expected, you may optionally apply a light dressing of a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Harvest Mugwort when plants have reached their full growth and are ready to bloom, typically in late summer or early fall. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot, as this preserves the essential oils and flavor. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems about 4-6 inches above the ground, leaving some growth behind so the plant can regrow. You can harvest the entire plant or select individual stems, depending on how much you need. For optimal freshness, harvest before the plant flowers, as this ensures the best flavor and medicinal properties. If you're drying the leaves, hang the stems upside down in a cool, dry area with good air circulation.
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