Full Sun
Low
Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Reportedly, deer are not fond of this plant, and will not eat it. Some people suggest planting it near the borders of gardens to keep pest animals away.
Propagation is quick and easy, and almost always successful – simply divide the plants and replant the branches into well-dug soil with a little compost and manure. Water well and keep moist for a few days2. Leaf cuttings can be handled the same way2.
Sow indoors on the surface of the soil 6-8 weeks before last frost. Can be sown directly outdoors two weeks after the last frost. Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Absinthe wormwood about 56 days before your last frost date .
Plant out into full sun after danger of frost has passed in late spring.
Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Absinthe wormwood is a hardy plant.The aerial parts are harvested in late summer, and can be used fresh or dried3.
Seed saving: Seeds are ready to harvest when the blooms begin to turn brown and dry. When the heads are completely dry, gently crush the heads between your hands and then carefully winnow away the chaff from the seeds.
These estimates for how long Absinthe wormwood takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 21 days | Min 4 days | Max 6 days (3)
Average 86 days | Min 86 days | Max 86 days (1)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Our when to plant Absinthe wormwood estimates are relative to your last frost date.
Artemisia comes from Ancient Greek ρτεμισία, from ρτεμις (Artemis). In Hellenistic culture, Artemis was a goddess of the hunt, and protector of the forest and children.
Absinthium comes from Ancient Greek ψίνθιον (apsinthion), possibly meaning “unenjoyable”, and probably referring to the bitter nature of the derived beverage1.
The word “wormwood” comes from Middle English “wormwode” or “wermode”. The form “wormwood” is influenced by the traditional use as a cure for intestinal worms.
John the Baptist wore a woven girdle of wormwood, giving it its other name, “St John’s Girdle”2.
The plant’s characteristic odor can make it useful for making a plant spray against pests. It has also been used to repel fleas and moths indoors.
The over-use or misuse of absinth was believed to cause epilepsy2.
In ancient times, wormwood was used as a symbol of health, and healers had the leaf painted over their doors as a sign to their patients2.
Absinthium, wormwood, common wormwood, Green Ginger, grand wormwood, St. John's Girdle
Misspellings: Artemesia absinthium