GROW MUGWORT

Korean Mugwort

GROW MUGWORT

It’s spring in the northern hemisphere. It’s the perfect time to start growing Mugwort, the best plant for making Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), for signaling leafy green growth.

First, we look at the general characteristics of the plant, why it is so valuable for KNF, Korean Natural Farming, and then provide details on how to plant it from seeds, cuttings, or rhizome division.

Mugwort

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a hardy, fast-growing perennial herb known for its medicinal, culinary, and agricultural uses. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is closely related to other Artemisia species, such as wormwood (A. absinthium) and sweet wormwood (A. annua).

Botanical Characteristics

Growth Habit: Perennial, rhizomatous herb, growing 3–6 feet tall.

Leaves: Deeply lobed, dark green on top, silvery underneath due to fine hairs.

Flowers: Small, reddish to yellow, forming clusters at the top of the plant.

Roots: Spreads aggressively through rhizomes, making it invasive in some areas.

Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 3–9, tolerating drought and poor soils.

Geographic Distribution & Ecology

Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but naturalized worldwide.

Grows in disturbed areas, roadsides, and abandoned fields.

Considered a pioneer species, it colonizes poor soils and improves them over time.

It can be allelopathic, suppressing the growth of nearby plants.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Used in moxibustion therapy to warm acupuncture points and improve circulation.

European Herbalism 

Historically used to treat digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, and nervous disorders.

Korean & Japanese Medicine

Applied as a tonic and in baths for its warming properties.

Antimicrobial & Antifungal Properties 

Used to treat infections and skin conditions.

Modern Research Highlights

Contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial compounds. It has been studied for potential antiparasitic and anticancer effects. Some species of Artemisia are sources of artemisinin, a key anti-malarial compound.

Culinary & Cultural Uses

In Japan and Korea, it is used in rice cakes for its earthy flavor.

In Europe, it is historically brewed into beers and herbal teas.

It is used as incense and in rituals for protection and purification in spiritual practices.

Agricultural & Ecological Uses

Natural Pest Repellent 

The strong aroma and essential oils deter insects and make it a natural pest repellent.

Soil Improvement 

It can accumulate minerals and be used as green manure for soil improvement.

Korean Natural Farming (KNF)

Used as a Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) due to its bioactive compounds for vegetative growth.

Companion Planting

This may help repel certain pests, though its allelopathic properties should be considered.

Why Mugwort FPJ is Beneficial for KNF

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is rich in bioactive compounds like hormones, enzymes, and flavonoids that contribute to its medicinal properties and benefits as a Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) in Korean Natural Farming (KNF). It offers stress resistance and pest resistance.

Vegetative Growth Promotion

Auxins (IAA) promote cell elongation, apical dominance, and overall plant growth.

Root Growth Promotion

Auxins (IAA) and cytokinins encourage stronger root systems.

Seed Germination & Shoot Growth

Gibberellins support early plant development.

Stress Resistance

ABA and antioxidant enzymes help plants survive drought and stress.

Microbial Stimulation

Enzymes like proteases and amylases fuel beneficial microbes in soil.

Pest & Disease Resistance

Phenolic acids, chitinases, and sesquiterpenes deter pathogens and insects.

Growing Mugwort 

Mugwort can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or rhizome division. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Thrives in poor, well-draining soil. It’s drought-resistant once established.

SEEDS

(Artemisia vulgaris) from seeds can be a bit tricky since the seeds are tiny and sometimes have erratic germination.

Seed Stratification (Optional)

Mugwort seeds don’t always require cold stratification, but it can improve germination.

If stratifying, mix the seeds with moist sand or peat moss and refrigerate them for 2-4 weeks before planting.

Sowing the Seeds

Best started indoors or directly sown outdoors in early spring.

Seeds need light to germinate, so lightly press them into the soil without covering them.

Use a well-draining seed-starting mix, keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Keep soil moist until germination occurs (1–3 weeks).

Ideal Growing Conditions

Temperature: 15-24°C (60-75°F) is ideal for germination.

Light: Place in a sunny window or under grow lights if starting indoors.

Germination Time: Usually 1-3 weeks, but can take longer.

Transplanting

Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them out to avoid overcrowding.

Transplant outdoors after the last frost, spacing plants about 1-2 feet apart.

CUTTINGS

Take softwood cuttings (4–6 inches long) in spring or summer.

Dip in rooting hormone (optional) and plant in moist soil.

RHIZOME DIVISION (Easiest)

Dig up a mature plant in early spring or fall.

Separate the rhizomes and replant them in prepared soil.

Water well after transplanting.

Cultivation

Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate: Thrives in temperate regions but adapts to various conditions.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil; tolerates poor soils.

pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.5).

Sunlight: Grows best in full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.

Spacing: 1–2 feet apart to allow airflow and prevent overcrowding.

Maintenance & Growth Management

Pruning:

Cut back regularly to control spread, encourage bushier growth, and prevent excessive self-seeding. If you are harvesting regularly for FPJ, this should not be a problem. Its vigorous growth is one of the reasons it has been so highly recommended by Master Cho.

Weed Control:

Mugwort can be invasive; mulch around plants to suppress unwanted spreading. Better yet, make more FPJ and give starts to your friends.

Pest & Disease Resistance:

Naturally resistant to most pests and diseases due to its strong essential oils.

Occasionally, it will attract aphids, but they are rarely a major problem.

Maintenance

Mugwort is a vigorous grower and has the potential to become invasive. This makes it valuable for KNF. Keep harvesting for FPJ to keep it under control and prevent spreading via underground rhizomes. Otherwise, this is a plant with very little maintenance needs.