Common Wormwood - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Common wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium), also known as Absinthe, is a perennial herb with greyish green, finely dissected, evergreen leaves and pretty yellow flowers in summer. A great natural insect repellent, particularly effective against aphids. Sow from March to May for a harvest the following year.

Wormwood is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is native to continental Europe, Asia and North Africa. It forms a bushy clump, about 90 cm high by 60 cm wide. This fragrant perennial has attractive greyish green foliage and panicles of small yellow flowers in summer. It is rather short-lived but will tolerate frosts down to -15°C. In order to maintain the plant’s compact growth habit, pinch out the stems in late spring.

Wormwood is the main ingredient of Absinthe, a popular spirit during the 19th century. The drink was banned in 1915, suspected to cause mental illness in famous figures such as Vincent Van Gogh.

Although the production of Absinthe has since been legalised, wormwood is mainly grown for its ornamental and insect-repellent virtues. It’s a precious ally in the vegetable garden, providing it isn't planted too close to your crops as it inhibits the growth of neighbouring plants.

Wormwood is used to make a brandy type liqueur called Absinthe. It is also used to relieve indigestion and to expel internal parasites. However, wormwood is an abortifacient (induces abortion) and should be used with great caution.

Where to plant? Artemisia Absinthium likes the heat. A sunny spot in nitrogen-rich, fairly dry, well drained, chalky soil is perfect.

Harvesting: the leaves are collected just before flowering, in July-August, preferably in the evening.

Preservation: save the leaves by drying them and storing them in a dark, dry place.

Good to know: Wormwood is a well-known insect repellent and can be used effectively against flea beetles and cabbage moths. However, it has an allelopathic effect which means it inhibits the growth of neighbouring plants. A few leaves placed at the foot of the crops you wish to protect should do the trick.

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.