Quick Facts:

• Days to harvest: 60
• Hardiness: Very cold-hardy (perennial, returns reliably in Zone 8b)
• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Water needs: Low (drought-tolerant; adaptable to most soil conditions)

Planting:

• Direct sow in fall or early spring, or start indoors and transplant.
• Timing: Zone 8b — direct sow in fall for spring germination, or start indoors Feb–Mar and transplant in spring.
• Depth: Surface sow — seeds need light to germinate
• Spacing: 18–24 in apart — it will spread over time

Care:

• Mugwort spreads vigorously by both roots and seed. If you don't want it taking over, contain it with a root barrier or grow it in a large pot.
• Cut back hard in early spring before new growth emerges to keep it tidy and productive.
• Very little care required once established — it's a tough, adaptable perennial.
• Harvest before flowering for the most potent leaves.

Harvest:

• Harvest young leaves and stem tips in spring and early summer when flavor and potency are highest.
• Dry in bunches hung upside down in a warm, dark, ventilated space.
• Dried mugwort is used in teas, dream pillows, smudge bundles, and as a bitter herb in traditional cooking (particularly in Korean and Japanese cuisines).
• Handle with care if pregnant — mugwort is a uterine stimulant and traditionally avoided during pregnancy.