Sweet Annie Artemisia Annua Seeds - Qing-hao

An Overview of Artemisia Annua

Artemisia annua, also known as sweet wormwood or Qing hao, is a plant species native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Artemisia annua has been cultivated in many countries, including Vietnam, Madagascar, and Tanzania, as a source of artemisinin for treating malaria. The plant can also be used for other purposes, such as making tea, as a natural insecticide, and as a flavoring agent.

More to love in Artemisia Annua:

• Artemisia annua is a versatile plant that offers a variety of benefits beyond its anti-malarial properties. 
• Studies have shown that artemisinin, the active compound in artemisia annua, may also have the potential to treat other parasitic diseases.
• The plant has also been investigated for its potential to lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.
• Artemisia annua can be grown relatively quickly and is considered a sustainable crop.

Benefits of Qing-hao Artemisia Annua

The plant contains artemisinin, which has anti-malarial properties and is used to treat malaria, a disease caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. In addition to its anti-malarial properties, artemisia annua has also been studied for its potential anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. 

How to Sow Seeds and Care for Artemisia Annua

The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in fertile, loamy soil. Sow the seeds in early spring or late summer in shallow furrows about 1/8 inch deep. Water the soil gently after planting and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, typically taking 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings emerge, reduce watering to every 2-3 days, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Thin out the seedlings to a spacing of 6 to 12 inches apart to ensure proper growth.

Artemisia annua doesn't require heavy fertilization, but a light feeding of compost or a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season can improve growth and yield. Harvest the plants when they are in full bloom before they go to seed. Cut the stems just above the lowest set of leaves, and dry them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Artemisia annua is a fast-growing plant, and pruning can help control its size and shape. Prune the plant by cutting back the stems by about half in early summer before it begins to flower.

Note: This Overview is intended as a guide only since cultural practices and climatic conditions may vary.

Specifications:

• Scientific Name: Artemisia annua
• Common Name: Sweet Wormwood
• Season: Annual
• Feature: Fragrant, feathery leaves
• Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil
• More: Medicinal plant, used to produce artemisinin for malaria treatment
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Order: Asterales
• Family: Asteraceae
• Subfamily: Asteroideae
• Genus: Artemisia