Because of its versatile use, mugwort has a number of names such as goose, broom, lady's or solstice herb. We show how you can plant mugwort, harvest it yourself from the garden and use it.
Because of its healing properties, mugwort (Artemisia) has been of great importance since ancient times. But with mugwort you are not just getting a mere useful plant, but an easy-care and versatile ornamental plant in your garden.
Mugwort: flower, origin and properties
Mugwort (Artemisia) is a plant that is distributed worldwide and is also native to us, but its exact origin is unknown. Most species of the genus belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae) are perennial, slightly woody perennials. Some of these emit a very intense scent that is not popular with everyone. Mugwort is easy to grow and grows quickly, so depending on the species it can reach heights of up to 2 m. However, if you bring it into your garden, you should be careful, because it quickly begins to proliferate and thus take over the garden. With its often silvery, feathery and sometimes hairy leaves and orange-yellow flowers, mugwort is not only an ornamental plant, but also a spice and medicinal plant.
Risk of confusion with mugwort: Some plants can be confused with mugwort. It is similar to many other species of the genus Artemisia, for example wormwood (A. absinthium).
Mugwort is also in Growth, appearance and leaf shape are very similar to ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), which is already reflected in its name. The ragweed originally comes from North America, but is also becoming a problem weed in this country, since its pollen has a strong allergenic effect and it also occurs as a weed in agriculture. The distinction between mugwort and mugwort ragweed is easy based on the leaves, since they are green on both sides of mugwort ragweed instead of silver on one side.
Types and varieties of mugwort
The genus Artemisia includes over 250 species. A few mugwort species will be briefly introduced here.
Mugwort (A. vulgaris): Native to us, up to 1.20 m high species of mugwort; alleged digestive properties; Use as a condiment for fatty foods.
Annual mugwort (A. annua) also Chinese mugwort: One of the few non-hardy mugwort species, which we usually don't comes into bloom; fast growing; height up to 2 m; suitable for temporary hedges with its dense foliage; caused a stir a few years ago because it contains an active ingredient against malaria.
Dwarf Sagebrush (A. Schmidtiana): Only grows to about 20 cm in height; cushion-like growth and filigree, silvery leaves; a wonderful companion for dark-leaved ornamental plants.
Mugwort (A. ludviciana): Mugwort species originally from North America, where Indians already used it for their used in ceremonies because its strong scent makes it good for incense; in Europe mainly used as an ornamental plant, for example in Mediterranean gardens.
Tip: The 250 species of the genus also include some other well-known perennials that are planted in many gardens because of their scent and appearance. These include, for example, tarragon (A. dacunculus), real wormwood (A. absinthium) or the so-called cola bush ( A. abrotanum var. maritima), which smells intensely of cola.
Growing mugwort: sowing, location and procedure
Mugwort outdoors is best sown from May. It makes relatively few demands on the site, but prefers sunny, well-drained and nutrient-rich spots. If you have very clayey, firm soil, organic matter and lots of sand will help to loosen the soil and improve permeability. In the case of very dense soil, it may even be necessary to loosen the soil deeply, for example with a digging fork, in order to avoid waterlogging. In order to bring in organic material and nutrients, we recommend our Plantura organic universal soil, for example, as it provides the nitrogen-loving plants with optimal starting conditions. When producing the peat-free soil, up to 60% less CO2 is released compared to conventional soil. Importantis to mix the soil well with the sand and the existing soil.
As mugwort grows quickly and large, 2 to 3 seeds should be sown 70 cm apart. After a few weeks, only the strongest seedling is left standing. Mugwort germinates with light, so it should only be lightly covered with soil.
Tip: Mugwort can also be grown on the windowsill from the beginning of March. Simply place the individual seeds in small pots filled with soil and only lightly cover them with soil. At an optimal germination temperature of 18 to 23 °C, the first seedlings should appear after about fourteen days. From mid-May, the plants can then be planted in their final location.
The right care: Is mugwort hardy?
Except for Artemis annua the mugwort species are hardy. However, the entire above-ground part of the mugwort plant dies over the winter, so that everything that does not like it can be cut off in late autumn. Mugwort will sprout from the rootstock again in spring.
Fertilize mugwort:
Mugwort does not usually need to be fertilized. As an indicator of nitrogen-rich soil, however, it grows more vigorously if it is sufficiently supplied with this main nutrient. Therefore, nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer, can help and increase growth. Since it mainly contains raw materials of organic and non-mineral origin, the organic universal fertilizer also contributes to a good soil structure and counteracts compaction.
Watering mugwort:
Mugwort only needs to be watered during long, hot dry periods, as it is basically adapted to dry locations.
Tip: To prevent widespread spread, mugwort flowers can be harvested before they open. That way the seeds can't spread.
Harvest and use mugwort
The closed flowers are usually harvested at the beginning of the mugwort flowering period between June and July. Older flowers and leaves contain significantly more bitter substances. Mugwort can be used both fresh and dried. To preserve it, harvest about 40 - 60 cm long branches with flowers and hang them in a warm, airy place to dry.
Mugwort is mostly used nowadays as a culinary herb. It contains the essential oils camphor, cineole and thujone, which have a germ and fungus inhibiting effect and is rich in bitter substances. ThatOn the one hand, it protects it from predators and, on the other hand, it supports our digestion, which is why mugwort is often added as a spice to high-fat dishes, such as the classic roast goose. But its use is not limited to that. With its bitter and aromatic, spicy taste, the young mugwort leaves can be used in salads or the flowers can be used as part of a Mediterranean herbal mixture. A common use as a home remedy is, for example, the preparation of a simple mugwort tea for stomach problems. For this, 1 teaspoon of dried mugwort is poured over a cup of boiling water and left to steep for 1 - 2 minutes.
Tip: As already mentioned, mugwort has been considered an important medicinal herb since ancient times. Various effects have been ascribed to it over the centuries. For example, it was used as a medicine for childbirth and women's diseases or for abortion. This also explains the Latin name, which goes back to Artemis, who was the midwife among the Greek gods. The Celts attributed mugwort to magical properties, which is why they wore it to dance at the Solstice celebrations.
Is mugwort poisonous?
As long as the amount consumed is small, it is harmless to most people and has antispasmodic and pain-relieving effects. However, since mugwort contains the essential oil thujone, which is considered harmful to he alth, excessive dosage can lead to vomiting, among other things. Pregnant women should therefore completely avoid the use of mugwort to be on the safe side. People who have an allergy to daisy family can have an allergic reaction to mugwort. Animals are generally uninterested in the rather coarse, hard stalks. And even if they try, even small amounts are not harmful to animals.
If you want to know more plants of the Artemisia genus, you can continue reading our article about wormwood, for example.