Artemisia annua
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusArtemisia
Zone5
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Artemisia annua, commonly known as sweet wormwood or annual wormwood, is a herbaceous plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to temperate Asia but has spread to many other parts of the world. The plant is known for its feathery, aromatic leaves and small yellow flowers. It has been used in traditional medicine and is the source of the antimalarial compound artemisinin.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Sweet Annie
Sweet Sagewort
Sweet Wormwood
Artemisia annua f. annua
Artemisia annua f. macrocephala
Artemisia chamomilla
Artemisia exilis
Artemisia hyrcana
Artemisia plumosa
Artemisia stewartii
Artemisia suaveolens
Artemisia wadei
Artemisia wedei
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
GDD1,800
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Artemisia annua prefers full sun and moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. The plant thrives in moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme cold. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Harvest
Artemisia annua, commonly known as sweet wormwood, should be harvested just before the flowers fully open, typically in late summer to early autumn. The optimal time for harvesting is when the plant is in full bloom, as this is when the concentration of artemisinin, the active compound, is highest. To harvest, cut the plant at the base, leaving a few inches of stem above the ground. It is important to handle the plant gently to avoid damaging the leaves and flowers, which contain the valuable compounds. After harvesting, the plant should be dried in a well-ventilated, shaded area to preserve its medicinal properties.Soil
Artemisia annua grows best in well-draining loamy soil. The soil should be allowed to dry out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Good drainage is essential for the plant's health.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied during the growing season to support healthy growth. Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Artemisia annua as it is an annual plant. However, if grown in containers, it can be repotted in fresh soil at the beginning of the growing season.Propagation
Artemisia annua can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in early spring in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within two weeks.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for Artemisia annua to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant in early spring or after the flowering period. Remove any dead or damaged stems.Toxicity
Artemisia annua is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to handle plants with care and wash hands after handling.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
