One-year-old mugwort [Artemisia annua]

This mugwort species is an annual medicinal plant and comes naturally from China where it is called Qing Hao. This special medicinal herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about 2,000 years and became known again in Europe from 1970 due to its reputation and the active ingredient artemisinin. Since the 4th Century n. Chr. This mugwort species is popular and shows healing effects in malaria and other fevers. In addition, it is considered wound healing, hemotherapy and is used for skin diseases. Wild-growing, the robust plant is found on paths and along rivers, mainly in China, Europe and North America. The finely feathered dark green leaves exude an aromatic scent and carry the most active part of the plant. The taste is very bitter. The fast-growing and adaptable plant develops its own strong defense against insects and diseases, which makes it attractive in mixed culture. Easily increases over self-sowing.

General information
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life Cycle: One year
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 180 cm
Root Type: Deep Root
Nutrient requirements: Medium Eaters
Water Requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 0 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Permeable, sandy, loamy, nutrient-rich, humus

PH: 6 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Light germ
Seed Depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 10-15 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Planting, row spacing: 30x50 cm

Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from February to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly into the open air from mid-May to June. We recommend waiting for the ice saints with the no-till sown. Pre-cultivation in small pots from April to June is also possible. The plants are separated into the bed from a height of approx. 8cm.

General
The emergence of seeds can last up to 3 weeks. As a mean eater, mugwort plants only need a moderate supply of nutrients, which is sufficient through a prepared bed. Additional fertilization is then not required.
He prefers a fully sunny location with permeable, rather dry, sandy, nutrient-rich and humus-rich soil. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
The flowers are pollinated only by the wind. Spread occurs via seeds.

Care Plants
During hot periods, water is necessary to maintain growth. Due to the initially slow growth of the plants, we recommend weeding the surrounding herbs regularly.

Germination ability of seeds: 10-40 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Artemisia annua
English Names: Annual mugword
German names: One-year-old mugwort, Sweet mugwort, One-year-old wormwood
Portuguese names: Artemísia anual
Spanish Names: Artemisa anual
French names: Armoise annuelle