WORMWOOD 297 



WORMWOOD (Artemisia Absinthium) is a half-hardy 

 perennial, grown for its leaves, formerly much used in 

 medicine, and now a principal ingredient in absinthe; 

 they are occasionally used in the kitchen for their bitter 

 flavor. Wormwood is grown from seed, cuttings, or 

 root-divisions. Varieties are the Common, the Roman 

 (the mildest) and the Sea. 



Soil light and well-drained, not especially rich, and 

 if possible with partial shade but not a northerly 

 exposure. 



Distances. Thirty to thirty-six inches each way. 



Depth of seed about one-fourth inch. Of rooted cut- 

 tings or root-divisions, as before. 



Sow the seed as soon as ripe, or in the spring, when 

 heavy frosts are past. Sow in a seed-bed from which the 

 seed will not wash out. 



Thin at three inches to three inches apart. When 

 six inches tall 



Transplant to fifteen to eighteen inches apart each 

 way. Later remove the alternate plants and rows, to 

 make the permanent plantation. 



Set root-divisions in spring. 



Make cuttings in early summer; shade and water till 

 established. Transplant in early fall or the following 

 spring. 



Pick the leaves as wanted, or cut a winter supply 

 when the plant is coming into flower ; dry it and store. 



Protect over winter with a mulch. 



