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How to Grow Wormseed

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Wormseed

Dysphania anthelmintica

herb

Dysphania anthelmintica, commonly known as wormseed, is an aromatic annual herb native to Central and South America. It has been traditionally used for its anthelmintic properties and produces small, greenish flowers followed by seed clusters. The plant is characterized by its pungent, distinctive odor and finely divided leaves.

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Example Wormseed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Wormseed

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Wormseed

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wormseed dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily
💧
Water: Moderate water; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-120 days
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow or press seeds lightly into soil; light is needed for germination

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy to loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost Perlite for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination

7-14 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; very delicate stage

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide warmth (70-80°F); ensure light exposure

2

Seedling

2-3 weeks

First true leaves appear; plant develops deeper root system; reaches 2-3 inches tall

Maintain moderate moisture; provide bright indirect light; thin seedlings to proper spacing; begin gentle air circulation

3

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant establishes bushy form with finely divided, feathery foliage; develops characteristic pungent odor

Water when top soil dries; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness; monitor for pests

4

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Small, greenish flowers appear in clusters; foliage becomes more compact; aromatic compounds concentrate

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering; maintain consistent watering; harvest leaves before flowering for maximum potency if desired

5

Seed Production and Maturity

3-4 weeks

Flowers fade; seed clusters develop and mature to brown/golden color; plant becomes drier in appearance

Reduce watering; allow seeds to fully mature; collect seeds before they drop; plants may be pulled and dried for seed harvesting

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Cilantro Dill Fennel Marigold Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Beans Peas Legumes

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators

  • Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs

Uses

💊

Anthelmintic remedy

Medicinal

Traditionally used in South American folk medicine as a deworming agent for parasitic infections. The essential oils contain compounds believed to have antiparasitic properties. [source]

💊

Digestive aid

Medicinal

Used in traditional medicine to support digestive health and stimulate appetite. The pungent volatile oils may help with digestive distress. [source]

🏠

Insect repellent

Household

The strong aromatic compounds make the plant useful as a natural insect deterrent. Can be dried and placed in sachets or dried bundles near living spaces. [source]

🍳

Culinary seasoning

Culinary

In some traditional cuisines, the fresh or dried leaves are used as an unusual seasoning with a pungent, complex flavor profile. Used sparingly in traditional South American and Mexican cooking. [source]

💊

Essential oil extraction

Medicinal

The plant contains valuable essential oils that can be extracted through distillation for aromatherapy and traditional medicine applications. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves anytime for fresh use; best harvested before flowering for maximum potency. Cut stems back to encourage regrowth. Collect seeds when fully mature and brown; allow plants to dry completely, then thresh to collect seeds. In warm climates, can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Dysphania anthelmintica was formerly classified under the genus Chenopodium and is sometimes still called Chenopodium anthelmincticum or Mexican tea
  • 🌱 The plant's strong, distinctive odor intensifies when foliage is brushed or crushed, and this pungent smell is believed to be the source of its insect-repelling properties
  • 🌱 In traditional Aztec and Central American medicine, wormseed was one of the most valued herbs and was used ceremonially as well as medicinally for its potent antiparasitic effects

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun pH Pinch Back True Leaves
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