Northern Wormwood

Getting Ready to Grow Northern Wormwood:

Northern Wormwood is a hardy plant that's pretty easy to grow, even for beginners. It doesn’t need much fuss and can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. Here’s how you can get started:

• Seeds or Plants: You can either start with seeds or small plants if you can find them at your local garden center. Seeds are usually easier to find online.
• Soil: This plant isn’t too picky about soil but prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or gravel to help it drain better.
• Location: Northern Wormwood likes full sun to partial shade. Pick a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day. If you’re planting in pots, make sure they have drainage holes.
• Timing: Spring is the best time to plant, once the ground has warmed up a bit. If you're starting indoors, you can begin sowing seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

Tools & Materials:

• Seeds or young plants
• Basic potting soil or garden soil
• Pots (if growing in containers)
• Watering can
• Sunny or partially shaded spot

Tip: Since Northern Wormwood is quite resilient, you don’t need fancy tools or expensive soil. Just keep it simple!

How to Plant Northern Wormwood:

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with regular potting soil.
2. Sprinkle a few seeds on top of the soil and lightly press them down—don’t bury them too deep, just cover them with a thin layer of soil.
3. Water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Place the pots in a sunny or partially shaded area. They’ll germinate in about 1-2 weeks.
5. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and have a couple of sets of leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted outdoors or into larger pots.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and fill around it with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
3. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle in.
4. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart if planting in the ground (or one per large pot if using containers).

Tip: Northern Wormwood doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, so make sure the area or pot drains well. Overwatering can harm the plant.

Taking Care of Your Northern Wormwood:

Sunlight:

Northern Wormwood loves sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. If you notice the plant looking a little leggy or stretched out, it might need more light. Move it to a brighter spot if possible.

Watering:

This plant is drought-tolerant, which means it doesn’t need frequent watering. In fact, it prefers drier conditions. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Too much water can cause root rot, so err on the side of caution.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether to water, wait another day. This plant likes to stay on the drier side!

Fertilizing:

You really don’t need to fertilize Northern Wormwood much—if at all. It grows well in poor soils and doesn’t require extra nutrients. If you feel like giving it a boost, use a very diluted, balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

Pruning:

To keep your plant looking tidy and bushy, you can trim it back in early spring or late fall. Just snip off any dead or overly long stems. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.

Tip: Don’t throw away the trimmings! You can dry them and use them for herbal teas or sachets.

When and How to Harvest Northern Wormwood:

When to Harvest:

The best time to harvest Northern Wormwood is just before it flowers, usually in late spring to early summer. This is when the plant’s aromatic oils are at their peak, making it ideal for drying or using fresh.

How to Harvest:

1. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems, leaving about 6 inches of growth on the plant so it can continue to thrive.
2. You can harvest the leaves and stems, but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time.
3. Shake off any dirt or insects before bringing the cuttings inside.

Tip: Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This is when the plant’s oils are most potent.

Drying and Storing:

• Hang the stems upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
• Once fully dry (this usually takes about 1-2 weeks), strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
• Keep the dried leaves in a dark, cool place, like a pantry or cupboard, to preserve their flavor and aroma.

Uses: Dried Northern Wormwood can be used in teas, sachets, or as a natural insect repellent.

Q: My Northern Wormwood looks a little yellow. What’s wrong?

A: Yellowing leaves can mean overwatering. Make sure the soil is draining properly and cut back on watering. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

Q: Can I grow Northern Wormwood indoors?

A: Yes, but it needs plenty of sunlight. Place it near a south-facing window where it can get at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you don’t have enough natural light, consider using a grow light.

Q: Is Northern Wormwood safe around pets?

A: While Northern Wormwood is generally safe, some animals might have adverse reactions if they eat a lot of it. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets, especially if they like to nibble on plants.

Q: Why does my Northern Wormwood smell so strong?

A: That’s normal! Northern Wormwood is known for its strong, aromatic scent, which comes from the essential oils in its leaves. This scent also helps repel insects naturally.

Q: Can I use Northern Wormwood in cooking?

A: Yes, but sparingly! Its strong flavor is often used in small amounts to add bitterness or aroma to certain dishes. It’s more commonly used in teas or as a seasoning in traditional recipes.