Artemisia annua SWEET WORMWOOD (50 seeds)

Sweet wormwood, annual mugwort also known as Qinghao or Artemisia annua in Latin, is an annual herbaceous plant of Asian origin. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is characterized by its rapid growth.

Its leaves, measuring about fifteen centimeters, are deeply divided and release a very intense fragrance when crushed.

Its flowers grow in clusters; they are yellow-green in color and appear starting in August.

Annual mugwort seeds are tiny, fine, and gray. They are covered in a downy fuzz that allows them to be easily dispersed by the wind.

- Properties:

Botanical Characteristics:

Its leaves are rich in volatile organic compounds, including artemisinin, a molecule that is the subject of numerous phytochemistry studies worldwide.

History and Ethnobotany:

Used for over 2,000 years in traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) is now cultivated globally for scientific research and the conservation of medicinal biodiversity.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The most favorable period to sow sweet wormwood is in April.
• Sprinkle the seeds directly onto a substrate of seed-starting compost without covering them.
• If possible, leave a distance of 1 to 2 cm between each seed.
• Water gently with a hand sprayer and keep moist until sprouts emerge.
• Place the culture in a location with a temperature between 20°C and 25°C.
• Germination generally begins 2 to 4 weeks later.

- Soil Type:

It grows very well in light soil, rich in organic matter and well-drained. It is a variety that is not very demanding regarding the type of soil.

- Exposure:

It is highly recommended to place it in full sun so that it can develop correctly and produce numerous leaves.

- Cultivation Temperature:

This herbaceous plant grows very quickly when temperatures exceed 20°C. Below this, its growth is slower. It tolerates slightly negative temperatures in early autumn.

- Watering:

It is very robust and does not necessarily require watering when grown directly in the ground. In pots, it will be necessary to water it every 2 days during the summer.

- Propagation:

It is possible to propagate the plant either by seeds or by cuttings, which should be taken from 15-centimeter-high branches starting in June.

- Ethnoplants' Advice:

Sweet Wormwood is a very fast-growing plant. Sowing is the most economical method to obtain an abundant harvest at the end of summer. However, if the season is already well underway or if you wish to skip the delicate germination stage, I suggest starting directly with an Artemisia annua plant, ready for repotting for immediate installation in the garden.

Important Note and Safety:

These seeds are strictly intended for ornamental cultivation, botanical study, and species conservation. Ethnoplants does not recommend any therapeutic use for self-medication. The use of this plant must be supervised by a healthcare professional, in accordance with current regulations.