Norwegian Mugwort

What you'll need:

Norwegian Mugwort seeds or young plants (you can find them at specialty nurseries or online)

A pot or garden space – this plant doesn’t need a lot of room, so even smaller pots will work

Well-draining soil (a mix of regular potting soil with some sand works great)

• A spot that gets partial sunlight to full sun – it's not too picky about light but does best in bright conditions

When to start:

Norwegian Mugwort is a hardy plant that can handle cooler temperatures, so you can start planting it in early spring or even late winter if the ground isn’t frozen. If you're starting indoors, begin about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

Choosing a good spot:

This plant loves well-draining soil and doesn't like sitting in waterlogged areas. It’s pretty adaptable, but placing it somewhere with morning sun and afternoon shade (or dappled sunlight) will keep it happiest. If you’re growing it in a pot, make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom.

Tip: If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or perlite to help with drainage.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with your soil mix (remember, it needs to drain well).
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil – don’t bury them too deep; just press them lightly into the surface.
3. Water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Place the pot in a cool, bright spot – indirect sunlight is fine for germination.
5. Seeds should sprout within 2-3 weeks.
6. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have a couple of sets of leaves, they’re ready to transplant into larger pots or directly into the garden.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil, gently pressing down around the base.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting to help the roots settle in.
4. Space plants about 12 inches apart if you’re planting more than one – they’ll spread out a bit as they grow.

Planting tips:

• Don’t overwater during planting – Norwegian Mugwort prefers slightly dry conditions.
• If planting outdoors, choose a spot where the soil drains well, like a slope or raised bed.

Watering:

• Norwegian Mugwort is drought-tolerant, which means it doesn’t need a lot of water. In fact, too much water can harm it.
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry – this might be every 7-10 days, depending on your climate.
• Always check the soil moisture before watering. If it still feels damp, wait another day or two.

Sunlight:

• This plant likes sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Ideally, give it 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
• If you notice the leaves looking a bit droopy or yellow, it might be getting too much harsh sun, so consider moving it to a shadier spot.

Feeding:

• You really don’t need to fertilize Norwegian Mugwort often – once a year in early spring with a light sprinkle of general-purpose fertilizer is enough.
• Avoid overfeeding, as this plant is adapted to poor soils and too many nutrients can make it leggy or weak.

Pruning & Maintenance:

• Prune back any dead or overly long stems in early spring to encourage bushier growth.
• If flowers appear (small, yellowish blooms), you can trim them off unless you want the plant to reseed itself.
• Watch for pests – while rare, aphids can sometimes bother this plant. A quick spray with water or insecticidal soap should take care of them.

Tip: If you live in a rainy area, ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.

When to harvest:

• Norwegian Mugwort is typically harvested for its aromatic leaves, which can be used fresh or dried.
• The best time to harvest is just before the plant flowers, as this is when the essential oils in the leaves are most concentrated.
• Early summer is usually the ideal time, but you can snip leaves anytime during the growing season if you need them.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut off the top few inches of the plant.
• Be gentle – only take what you need, leaving enough foliage for the plant to continue thriving.
• If you’re harvesting for drying, tie small bundles of stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place with good airflow.

Storing:

• Fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Dried leaves can be kept in an airtight container away from direct sunlight for several months.
• Some people also use the dried leaves to make herbal teas or sachets for their fragrance.

Tip: If you’re using the leaves for cooking or teas, try to harvest them on a sunny morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in – this gives the best flavor.

Q: My Norwegian Mugwort looks a bit straggly – what should I do?

A: No worries! This plant can get leggy if it’s in too much shade or has been overwatered. Try pruning it back a bit in early spring to encourage fuller growth, and make sure it’s getting enough light.

Q: Can I grow Norwegian Mugwort indoors?

A: Yes, but it prefers cooler temperatures and good air circulation. Place it near a bright window with indirect light, and avoid overwatering. It may not grow as large indoors, but it can still thrive.

Q: Is this plant invasive?

A: While it can self-seed, Norwegian Mugwort isn’t considered highly invasive. To prevent unwanted spreading, simply remove flower heads before they go to seed.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves can mean overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil – if it’s soggy, reduce watering and improve drainage by adding sand or perlite.

Q: Can I use Norwegian Mugwort in cooking?

A: Absolutely! Its leaves have a mild, aromatic flavor and can be used fresh or dried in teas, soups, or as seasoning. Just use it sparingly at first to see how you like the taste.