How to Grow Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort needs a location with full sunlight and a slightly moist but well-draining soil. Mugwort can tolerate partial shade and dry soils as well but will not tolerate wet soil conditions. Mugwort can adjust to many different types of soil conditions, such as high nitrogen or alkaline soil types.

Is it easy to grow mugwort?
How long does it take for mugwort to germinate?
How do you grow and harvest mugwort?
Is Artemisia the same as mugwort?
Is mugwort illegal in the US?
Can I eat mugwort?
Is it safe to drink mugwort tea?
How do you water mugwort?
What are the benefits of mugwort?
How big does mugwort get?
How do you dry mugwort for tea?
How do you harvest mugwort leaves?

Is it easy to grow mugwort?

Mugwort is easy to grow from seed. You can direct sow your seed in the fall for germination in the spring or, indoors, cold stratify it for a couple of weeks. Seed should be surface sown. It needs light to germinate.

How long does it take for mugwort to germinate?

Mugwort isn't particular about pH levels or specific nutrients, but does prefer excellent drainage and full sun. Once you've improved the bed to your satisfaction, scatter seeds lightly but evenly on the soil's surface -- about 3 inches apart in all directions. Seedlings should germinate within two weeks.

How do you grow and harvest mugwort?

Mugwort can be found growing in disturbed areas and along roadsides (but be sure to avoid collecting near traffic-laden roads.) Clip the tall stalks so that you are harvesting the upper third of the plant. The best time to collect mugwort is right before its very tiny flower buds open.

Is Artemisia the same as mugwort?

Mugwort is a common name for several species of aromatic flowering plants in the genus Artemisia. In Europe, mugwort most often refers to the species Artemisia vulgaris, or common mugwort. While other species are sometimes referred to by more specific common names, they may be called simply "mugwort" in many contexts.

Is mugwort illegal in the US?

Is mugwort legal in the U.S.? Yes, although some sources report that the use of mugwort has been banned, its use is uncontrolled in the United States. What this means is that any part of the plant, as well as its extracts, is legal to grow, process, sell, trade, or give away.

Can I eat mugwort?

Mugwort can be used as an aromatic herb added to soups, stews or stuffing for meat dishes, or infused as a tea. The herb is said to improve digestion. The young stems can be added to salads and the leaves or shoots can be cooked as a vegetable.

Is it safe to drink mugwort tea?

That said, mugwort can cause allergic reactions similar to those associated with ragweed. These reactions can occur from coming into physical contact with the plant or from drinking tea made from the herb. Symptoms of such allergies can include: sneezing.

How do you water mugwort?

Water my common mugwort

Water once a week the first month. In open soil, watering is not necessary except in case of intense drought.

What are the benefits of mugwort?

People take mugwort root as a “tonic” and to boost energy. People take the rest of the plant for stomach and intestinal conditions including colic, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, weak digestion, worm infestations, and persistent vomiting. Mugwort is also used to stimulate gastric juice and bile secretion.

How big does mugwort get?

Mugwort can grow up to 1.4 m tall and forms dense stands that smother other vegetation. In the vegetative state it has the appearance of a garden chrysanthemum, hence some of the common names. Mugwort is widely used in herbal medicine including use as a diuretic and the treatment of a variety of gynecological problems.

How do you dry mugwort for tea?

For plants with large or feathery leaves (like dill, mugwort, and fennel), air drying in bundles can work very well. I gather several stalks together and use a rubber band to hold them at the base. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight, like in a garage, shed, basement, etc.

How do you harvest mugwort leaves?

To Harvest: Cut the top 1/3 of the plant when mugwort is in flower. You can hang the plant upside down to dry (such as from an indoor clothesline), or chop her into small pieces and spread her onto newspaper or on mesh sheets in a dehydrator. Roots are dug up and collected in the fall.