This bitter herb leads a shadowy existence in gardens. It is extremely easy to care for, undemanding and easy to plant. In addition, it has a positive effect on he alth when consumed. But what should you consider when growing wormwood?
When and how can you plant and harvest wormwood?
Wormwood can be sown in the garden between April and August. The plant prefers a warm, sunny location with well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. Harvesting can take place from April to autumn, with both leaves and flowers usable.
When is wormwood sown?
Wormwood can be sown at any time between spring and summer. Sowing should not take place until mid-April at the earliest. If you want to harvest leaves in the same year, you should sow the seeds by the end of May at the latest. The herb can be sown until August for the harvest the following year.
How is sowing done?
If you have obtained wormwood seeds, you can easily germinate them regardless of the variety. This is how it works:
- Pressing seeds into the soil
- Do not cover seeds with soil (light germinator)
- moisten with water
- Germination time: 1 to 3 weeks
- Pick out from a size of 5 cm
- Row spacing of 50 cm, in-row spacing of 30 cm
What location does the herb want?
Wormwood should be planted in a warm place, regardless of the variety. This should give the plant many hours of sunshine per day. Protected locations that face southeast to southwest are best suited.
The soil can be sandy or gravelly. Therefore, rock gardens are ideal locations for wormwood. Furthermore, the herb can make friends with a lean substrate. It tolerates lime to a certain extent. Likewise, it can handle a dry soil. It is important for the plant to have a well-drained substrate, as it cannot tolerate waterlogging.
When will the harvest take place?
Wormwood can stand in its location and be harvested for eight years. Harvesting can begin in April and extend until fall. It is advisable not to harvest all the leaves at once. In addition, the flowers are edible and can be dried, for example.
Tips & Tricks
Plant the wormwood aside because of its root exudates, which are difficult for other plants to tolerate. Only cranesbill, carnations and pennisetum get along with it.
