I've never tried it (cuttings are much easier), but this might help a bit.

Seeds are best sown in early autumn or spring. Ideal temperature for germination is 20°C. Sow seeds on the surface and do not cover at all. Best sown in situ. Germination usually occurs in less than 2 weeks.

NB. We're talking SOIL temperature, not air temperature.

Do you mean by "kept it exposed to light" that it was out in the sun? If you covered the planter in plastic and left it out in the sun or strong light you may have cooked the seeds. I germinate all my herb seed in a dark room with the shades closed. The need for light to germinate is greatly overstated. As soon as there is evidence of germination, I put the seedlings under lights for 14 hours a day to grow to transplant size. Wormwood seed is so small covering is not recommended. But the soil surface should not be allowed to dry out before the seeds germinate. I would also change seed source. I have found that seed that is older than one season doesn't germinate well if at all. I get mine from Johnny's Select seed.

You are talking about Artemisia absinthum, right? Forget the plastic wrap as Frances says. Use a spray bottle to mist the top of the seed starting medium to keep it moist. I start seeds indoors with indirect light and just sprinkle seeds on top of the medium. Once the seeds have germinated, you can cut back on the amount of moisture, but don't let the seedlings completely dry out.

I started wormwood from seed a few years ago, purchased from either Richter's or Johnny's. I started them in seed starter mix and used standard cell packs, plant trays, and domes  Indoor Gardening Supplies is a good source for these.

They germinated easily, were tiny last year, and are now 3 feet tall and across, with half-inch-thick stems and masses of foliage. If you want a cutting and can get to New York, I'd be happy to give you some.

Plastic wrap is a little close to the soil surface; the domes work well to keep moisture in and raise humidity. Remove them for an hour every day to air out the soil, mist at the first hint of dryness (keep the soil moist, not wet), remove the domes as soon as they sprout, and give the seedlings plenty of fresh air.

Thanks so much. All this input is great! I will probably try the last of this year's seed packet. Also, we have a friend, only about 1/2 hour away who has the regular wormwood. So eventually, we are likely to get a cutting. Still, I'm kind of interested in "conquering" this problem and succeeding with the seed.

George

I have an old, woody artemesia (same as 'wormwood'?) that I prune it back each Fall that smells like camphor when the very fine, soft stems/leaves are crushed. I have long lost the name of the plant when I bought it so was wondering if the camphor aroma would give anyone a clue as to the variety? Are the artemesias poisonous? I have another un-named one & the two do well growing along side the very old, aromatic big Western sagebrush & local silky sand sage. They require little care in the 'desert' section of my yard so hope these are all long-lived as they are rather care-free & I have never seen any of the seed germinate except for one from the sand sage which I transplanted to another area.

Thanks for an idea as to the name of this artemesia!

Vieja, sounds like you have Camphor Southernwood (Artemisia camphorata). Or maybe just plain old Southernwood (Artemisia abroatanum). Depends on just how camphor-y the smell is. I have a "Tangerine Southernwood" with a nice citrus scent which is over 6 ft tall now.