Artemisia absinthium WORMWOOD (100 seeds)

Wormwood, absinth also known by its Latin name Artemisia absinthium, is a small, hardy perennial shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family. This herbaceous plant can reach 1 meter in height and 80 cm in width at adult size.

The shrub's leaves are deeply lobed and divided, giving them a very feathery appearance. They are silvery-green due to fine hairs on the surface that reflect light. These fragrant leaves can reach up to 20 cm in length, and their surface is covered with small glands that secrete essential oils.

Its flowers generally appear in summer, between June and August. They are grouped into small cluster-like inflorescences called flower heads (capitula). The flowers range in color from pale yellow to yellow-green.

Common wormwood seeds are very fine, oval, yellow in color, and measure about one millimeter in length. They are primarily dispersed by the wind.

How to successfully germinate wormwood seeds?

• The best time to sow wormwood is in autumn. (If you wish to germinate them at another time, stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.)
• Sow the seeds by sprinkling them in a seed tray onto fine potting soil without covering them.
• Gently press down on the substrate with your hands.
• Water manually using a spray bottle.
• Place the tray in a cold greenhouse during the autumn period.
• Germination will begin naturally from April to May.

What type of soil should be used?

Wormwood does not require a specific type of soil.
However, it prefers good garden soil and requires excellent drainage.

What are the ideal growing temperatures? Is it hardy?

This beautiful Mediterranean plant grows in warm locations; it thrives when temperatures range from 15 °C to 30 °C.
It tolerates drought and heat well.
It also has good cold resistance and can easily withstand negative temperatures down to -15 °C.

What are its watering needs?

Silver wormwood requires little watering; twice-weekly watering is sufficient during the summer.
In winter, it does not need watering as it enters a period of dormancy.
To reduce water needs during the summer, I recommend mulching the base with straw; this helps minimize soil evaporation.

What is the best exposure for rapid growth?

This aromatic plant should be exposed to bright light.
More sun it receives, more it will flourish. Regarding artificial lighting, HPS or MH lamps are preferred.

Why grow wormwood at home?

The Silver Glow of the Physic Garden

Sowing the fresh, untreated seeds available from Ethnoplants allows you to watch Wormwood flourish a shrubby perennial with spectacular grey-white foliage.
Its finely divided silhouette and metallic reflections bring a unique brightness to your flowerbeds, creating an elegant visual contrast with colourful blooms.
By germinating your own specimens, you reintroduce a collector's plant into your garden with a powerful aromatic scent, emblematic of the cottage gardens of yesteryear.

A Natural Ally for Vegetable Garden Protection

The major interest of growing wormwood from Ethnoplants seeds lies in its role as a protector of the organic vegetable patch.
Thanks to its intense fragrance and bitter compounds, it is the ideal base ingredient for making plant-based repellent macerations against the cabbage white butterfly or the codling moth.
To naturally protect your neighbouring crops, simply let 1 kg of leaves from your plants ferment in 10 L of water; after a few days, this filtered traditional plant spray is used to reinforce the vigour of your plants in an ecological way.

Heritage of the "Green Fairy" and Botanical Collection

Reproducible this ethnobotanical seeds are the starting point for a fascinating journey into the history of traditional plants and the artistic bohemia of the 19th century.
The indisputable muse of the famous "Green Fairy" liqueur, Artemisia absinthium is a major species of European ethnobotanics.
Today, this historic variety is exclusively dedicated to bed ornamentation, the creation of natural care for the vegetable garden, and the pleasure of cultivating an authentic botanical curiosity.

This article was written by Julien on 10/01/2026.