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Wormwood Seeds

Wormwood seeds produce a hardy aromatic herb valued for centuries for its medicinal properties and distinctive fragrance. Wormwood, or Artemisia absinthium, is recognized for its silvery to green leaves with a bitter taste. This plant thrives in sandy soil and enjoys direct sunlight for most of the day. Wormwood can withstand dry conditions well. It’s an excellent choice for low-water gardens and is also a natural pest repellent.

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Survival Garden Seeds offers heirloom Wormwood seeds, selected for their high germination rates. The package includes detailed instructions for sowing and caring, making it convenient for anyone to enjoy growing this unique herb.

Growing Wormwood Seeds in Your Garden

  • Hardy aromatic herb
  • Perennial, easy to grow plant
  • Heirloom, non-GMO seeds
  • Medicinal properties, repellent for pests

INTRODUCING WORMWOOD SEEDS

Wormwood is scientifically called Artemisia absinthium. This is a perennial plant, originating from regions of Asia, Europe, and North parts of Africa. These days, it is grown all over the world. Wormwood herb grows successfully in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, usually reaching 3 to 4 feet in height. With finely divided leaves and small yellow flowers, this herb is known for its bitter taste and potent medicinal properties. Often used in herbal remedies, it is mostly recognized as a key ingredient in absinthe production. NOTE: fresh wormwood does contain the plant compound thujone which can be toxic and cause hallucinations or seizures in large amounts. Consult with an expert for advice on using wormwood as a medicinal herb, as overdosing can cause serious side effects.

GROWING WORMWOOD

Start Wormwood seeds indoors, 8 to 10 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly into the soil. Moist the soil regularly, until the germination process begins. Keep the temperature between 65 and 70° F during this time. In two to three weeks, the seeds will start to sprout. When seedlings grow a second set of true leaves, you may transplant them outdoors. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

MAINTAINING WORMWOOD PLANTS

Once rooted, a Wormwood plant requires very little maintenance and can become invasive if not well maintained. Water the plants sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out before each watering. They are tolerant to drought. Adding mulch at the base of the plant will be beneficial by promoting soil moisture and suppressing weeds. Wormwood enjoys occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Growing in containers is highly advised due to Wormwood’s aggressive nature. Harvest in late summer before the leaves and flowers reach full bloom as this is when the plant has the most potent medicinal properties.

Growing Wormwood in your garden will have many benefits, including aromatic foliage, medicinal uses, and natural pest-repellent properties. This hardy plant can also be used in many herbal preparations. It is a versatile herbal garden perennial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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