The Ligurian mugwort is very popular among herb lovers. Find out how to grow and care for it in your garden here.
Many hobby gardeners grow a number of aromatic and medicinal herbs. These are valued above all in the kitchen but also for the treatment of he alth ailments. Evidence of this are carefully laid out herb spirals or small herb gardens. These tend to contain aromatic and medicinal plants that meet the respective requirements of the gardener.
In addition, there are similar plant species that lead a rather simple existence and can be found on roadsides or on piles of rubble, such as mugwort.
One species of this plant genus, the Ligurian bite (Artemisia spec.) has found a large circle of fans among herb gardeners and enriches the herb collection. Incidentally, the spice and medicinal herb is also called "Italian mugwort".
The delicately spicy taste ennobles it
This aromatic plant originally comes from the Mediterranean region. It is grown extensively near the Ligurian coast of Italy and southern France, where it is used as a finely spiced additive in liqueur production.
It is impossible to imagine Mediterranean cuisine without Ligurian mugwort. Fish and meat as well as pasta dishes are seasoned with it. In contrast to our native mugwort, its Italian relative is more aromatic, resinous, oily and is excellent for stimulating digestion. Because it makes food more digestible, this mugwort is not only appreciated by gourmets.
Cultivation and care of the kitchen herb
You should choose a location in full sun if possible. This has a beneficial effect on the growth of the plant. Sunlight is important for mugwort so that the essential oils and the spicy aroma can develop fully.
Since the Ligurian mugwort weeds just as much as its local relative, you should provide enough space for the planting site.
The soil should be permeable and calcareous
The perennial herb likes a permeable soil rich in lime and humus. Should the soil be rather leanthen mix in some clay flour and compost.
Water moderately and fertilize with compost
- The tasty spice and medicinal herb is largely undemanding and gets by in summer with little care. During longer dry and hot periods, water the mugwort in the morning if possible. This will prevent water from evaporating as the heat increases at midday. But make sure that there is no waterlogging, because excessive watering will soon damage the plant.
- The herbaceous plant is fertilized in spring and late summer with a large amount of compost, which is well worked into the soil. At the same time, they mulch the site. Be sure to keep your hands off other fertilizers, the plant will resent you.
When is the Ligurian mugwort pruned?
- Prune back the mugwort for the first time during the vegetation period. The time is in early summer just before the flowers open. Use sharp scissors to cut off shoot tips or leaves. This stimulates the plant to develop new plant parts. Dry the separated shoots and leaves so you can stock up on this delicious herb for the winter.
- The plant is only pruned radically in the spring before it sprout again. Leave the shoots of the plants for the winter. These contain energy reserves and ensure that the subterranean parts of the mugwort plant survive the cold season.
Pests are repelled
Pests avoid mugwort. If you plant the mugwort right next to vegetable crops, then pests are kept away from the intense, aromatic scent of the spice and medicinal plant. This applies to aphids and flea beetles as well as cabbage whites and shield bugs.
Conclusion: The mugwort plant family is large. While the local spice and medicinal herb tends to eke out a simple existence, its Italian relative is winning over more and more herbalists. The reason for this is certainly its delicately spicy but nevertheless intense aroma. Gourmets appreciate both the spiciness of this herb and the stimulating effect on digestion.
The hardy, easy-care plant thrives particularly well in a sunny location with well-drained, calcareous and humus-rich soil.