Is That Really Mugwort? It's Just A Phase.

Remember your awkward teenage years? Well, mugwort has them too!

Of all the plants we grow and sell at Zenobia's Garden, we probably get more questions about baby mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) than any other. And we understand why! Young mugwort can look so different from its mature self that you might wonder if you're even looking at the same plant.

But don't worry. It's just going through a phase!

 

From Awkward Teenager to Beautiful Herb

When mugwort is young, its leaves are often softer, rounder, and much less deeply divided than the foliage we're accustomed to seeing in herb books and online photographs. In fact, baby mugwort can sometimes resemble parsley or cilantro. And that classic Mugwort aroma just...hasn't developed yet. It can definitely seem like an imposter.

But as it grows, mugwort starts coming into its own.

Its new leaves develop those distinctive, deeply lobed shapes that make mature mugwort so recognizable. The characteristic silvery-white undersides become easier to appreciate, and its wonderfully distinctive herbal aroma becomes more noticeable, especially during warmer weather.

Watching Mugwort Grow Up

One of the things we love about growing herbs is watching how much they change as they mature. Some plants look like miniature versions of their adult selves right from the beginning. Others, like mugwort, take a little time to grow into their looks.

We've included a few photographs of our young mugwort plants at different stages so you can see this transformation for yourself.

So if your little mugwort doesn't quite resemble the pictures you've seen online, give it some sunshine, a little patience, and room to grow.

Growing Up Wild: A Few Tips for Happy Mugwort

The good news? Once mugwort gets through its awkward teenage phase, it's a very carefree plant. In fact, mugwort is one of those herbs that seems to prefer little to no supervision.

Here are a few tips to help yours thrive:

• Give it plenty of sunshine. Mugwort loves full sun, although young plants appreciate a little protection from intense afternoon heat while they're getting established.
• Keep its feet dry. Well-drained soil is important. Mugwort doesn't appreciate sitting in soggy soil, so avoid overwatering. If you have clay or compacted soil, add some sand to the soil. I have personally grown Mugwort in sand beds with no issues.
• Baby it a little, but not too much. Young plants need consistent attention while their roots establish, especially during hot, dry weather. Once settled in, mugwort is remarkably drought-tolerant. It might be the only plant that still looks happy in your garden when things are hot and dry.
• Don't fuss over it. Rich soil, constant feeding, and endless pampering might actually slow growth. Over the years I've noticed each plant seems to have a personality. Mugwort is definitely one that enjoys weekly praise but not constant monitoring.
• Give it room, but set boundaries! Mature mugwort spreads through underground rhizomes and can become quite enthusiastic about claiming garden real estate. A large container is a great option if you'd prefer to keep it in one place.

Our best advice? Give your young mugwort a good start, then let it show you how tough it can be. This is one herb that doesn't mind a little rough living!

Happy growing!

Zenobia's Garden