Artemisia Seeds - Sweet Annie

(Artemisia annua) Annual. 120 days to maturity.

Also known as Sweet Wormwood, Sweet Annie is a sprawling, fern-like annual that really has a presence in the garden. Incredibly fragrant and excellent for flower arrangements, both fresh and dried. 

------------------------------------

Growth Habit: Upright growth to 5 feet height, fern-like foliage, with copious tiny flowers. Self seeding. 

Sun Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Average, well drained soil

When to Plant: Sow seeds outdoors after last Spring frost OR start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost. 

How to Plant: 

Direct sow:  sow seeds outdoors on the soil surface and lightly tamp them without covering them.  Seeds should germinate in 21-28 days. Thin young plants to 3 feet apart.

Transplant: sow seeds indoors in flats or containers on the soil surface and lightly tamp them without covering them.  Seeds should germinate in 21-28 days. Transplant young plants into larger containers when true leaves appear. Harden off seedlings before transplanting after all risk of frost is passed. Space plants to 3 feet apart.

How/When to Harvest: Harvest in Summer when flower heads are developed on stems and tiny bead-like yellow flowers are open. Cut the top 3 feet, then cut the remaining branches from the stalk. Bundle them to dry indoors in a dry, dark space for several weeks.

Uses: Use foliage as filler in bouquets or for everlasting wreaths.

--------------------------------