Purple Wormwood

Choosing the Right Spot:

Purple Wormwood (Artemisia globularia) is a beautiful, hardy plant that's great for beginners. It thrives in sunny spots but can also handle partial shade. Look for an area in your garden or on your balcony that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day.

What You'll Need:

Purple Wormwood seeds or young plants

Well-draining soil (this is key because it doesn’t like soggy roots)

A pot or garden space (if using a pot, make sure it has drainage holes)

Gravel or sand (to mix into the soil if it’s too dense)

Gardening gloves (optional, but helpful when handling soil)

Timing:

You can start planting Purple Wormwood in early spring once the risk of frost has passed. If you're starting with seeds indoors, begin about 6 weeks before the last frost date.

Tip: If you live in a colder climate, starting with young plants might be easier than seeds since they’re already established.

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with a mix of soil and some sand or gravel to improve drainage.
2. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the surface, then cover them with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch thick).
3. Water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Place the pots in a warm spot with indirect sunlight until the seeds sprout, which usually takes about 10-14 days.
5. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and have several sets of leaves, you can transplant them to larger pots or directly into the garden.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Mix some sand or gravel into the soil at the bottom of the hole to help with drainage.
3. Place the young plant in the hole and fill around it with soil, gently pressing down to secure it.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Spacing:

• If you’re planting multiple Purple Wormwoods in the garden, leave about 12-18 inches between each plant so they have enough room to grow.

Tip: Don’t bury the stem too deep when planting—keep the base of the plant level with the soil surface.

Sunlight: Purple Wormwood loves sunshine, so aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you notice the plant looking a bit droopy or leggy, it might need more light.

Watering: This plant prefers drier conditions, so water sparingly. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering is the most common mistake with Purple Wormwood, so err on the side of caution!

Fertilizing: You don’t need to fertilize Purple Wormwood often. Once or twice a year, you can add a bit of general-purpose fertilizer in early spring or midsummer to give it a boost, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Pruning: To keep your Purple Wormwood looking neat and bushy, trim it back in late spring or early summer. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut back about one-third of the plant’s height. This will encourage new growth and prevent it from getting too leggy.

Tip: Always prune on a dry day to avoid introducing moisture that could lead to fungal issues.

When to Harvest:

You won’t harvest Purple Wormwood in the traditional sense, like you would vegetables or fruits. Instead, you’ll be trimming or cutting parts of the plant for ornamental purposes or drying.

How to Harvest:

1. Cut stems as needed for bouquets or arrangements. The silvery-purple foliage looks stunning in dried flower arrangements.
2. If you want to dry the leaves, cut stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
3. Hang the stems upside down in a cool, dry place with good air circulation until they’re completely dry.

Tip: Dried Purple Wormwood can be used in potpourri or sachets for its pleasant aroma.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings and ensure your pot or garden bed has good drainage.

Q: Can I grow Purple Wormwood indoors?

A: Yes, but it needs plenty of sunlight. Place it near a south-facing window where it will get at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. You may need to supplement with a grow light if natural light is insufficient.

Q: Is Purple Wormwood safe around pets?

A: Not really. While it’s not highly toxic, it’s still best to keep it out of reach of curious pets, especially cats and dogs, as it can cause mild stomach upset if ingested.

Q: My plant looks sparse. What should I do?

A: Prune it back slightly to encourage bushier growth. Make sure it’s getting enough sunlight, as lack of light can make it grow leggy.

Q: Does Purple Wormwood attract pests?

A: It’s actually quite resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it beginner-friendly. However, watch out for aphids in particularly humid conditions. A quick spray with water or insecticidal soap can take care of them.