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Mullein Seeds - Verbascum thapsus

Regular price: $4.89

Unit price: per

Verbascum thapsus - Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated, Heirloom, Untreated
Stunning, Tall Flower Spikes: In its second year, mullein sends up an impressive, towering flower stalk, often reaching 6 feet or more, adorned with hundreds of cheerful yellow flowers.
Soft, Woolly Foliage: The large, fuzzy leaves are a beautiful silvery-green color and have a velvety texture, making it a unique and striking ornamental plant.
Medicinal & Herbal Uses: A historically significant herb, mullein leaves and flowers are traditionally used to make teas for soothing respiratory ailments.
Pollinator Powerhouse: The tall flower spikes are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.
Drought-Tolerant: Once established, this biennial is incredibly resilient and thrives in poor, dry soil, making it a low-maintenance and reliable choice for xeriscaping or rocky areas.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The fuzzy texture and bitter taste of the leaves naturally deter deer and rabbits, protecting your garden from unwanted visitors.
Unique Growth Habit: As a biennial, mullein forms a low-lying rosette of leaves in its first year, and then in the second year, it flowers, sets seed, and completes its life cycle.

$4.89

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USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 3-9 - Grows as a hardy biennial. Mullein is highly adaptable to a wide range of climates but performs best in well-draining soils and full sun.

Best performance in Zones 4-8 where it can establish and thrive with minimal care.

Northern Zones (3-5) - Plant seeds in early spring or in late fall. Mullein seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification to germinate well, which can be accomplished naturally by fall sowing or artificially by refrigerating the seeds.

Hot Climate Zones (8-9) - Plant in early spring or fall. Mullein is heat-tolerant but may benefit from some afternoon shade in the hottest climates to prevent stress.

Soil Temperature - Germination is best in a cool soil, with an optimal temperature range of 60-70F. Consistent moisture is key for successful germination.

Growing Season - As a biennial, it will form a rosette in the first year and then flower and go to seed in the second year.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 3-9 - Grows as a hardy biennial. Mullein is highly adaptable to a wide range of climates but performs best in well-draining soils and full sun.

Best performance in Zones 4-8 where it can establish and thrive with minimal care.

Northern Zones (3-5) - Plant seeds in early spring or in late fall. Mullein seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification to germinate well, which can be accomplished naturally by fall sowing or artificially by refrigerating the seeds.

Hot Climate Zones (8-9) - Plant in early spring or fall. Mullein is heat-tolerant but may benefit from some afternoon shade in the hottest climates to prevent stress.

Soil Temperature - Germination is best in a cool soil, with an optimal temperature range of 60-70F. Consistent moisture is key for successful germination.

Growing Season - As a biennial, it will form a rosette in the first year and then flower and go to seed in the second year.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Planting Tips

When to Plant:
Sow seeds outdoors in early spring after the last frost date, or in late fall. Fall sowing allows for natural cold stratification, which can improve germination rates. For a head start, you can also start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Mullein is highly adaptable and will tolerate a wide range of soils, but it thrives in poor to average, well-draining soil. It dislikes heavy, wet soils, which can cause root rot.

Starting Seeds:

Cold Stratification: For best results, place the seeds in a moist paper towel inside a plastic bag and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks before planting.

Sowing Indoors: Sow seeds in seed starting trays, pressing them lightly into the surface of the soil. Do not cover the seeds, as they require light to germinate.

Sowing Outdoors: Prepare a seedbed by raking the soil smooth. Scatter seeds over the surface and lightly press them into the soil. Do not cover.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Water seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, mullein is very drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.

Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to a spacing of 12-18 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.

Year 1: Allow the plant to grow as a leafy rosette. Do not expect flowers in the first year.

Year 2: The plant will send up its tall flower spike in the spring. You can harvest leaves for tea at this time. After the flowers fade, the plant will go to seed and die. Mullein self-seeds readily, so you may get new plants in the following years.

Pests and Diseases: Mullein is generally pest and disease-free. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew in humid climates.

Harvesting: Harvest the leaves in the first year or early in the second year. The flowers can be harvested as they open.

Planting Tips

When to Plant:
Sow seeds outdoors in early spring after the last frost date, or in late fall. Fall sowing allows for natural cold stratification, which can improve germination rates. For a head start, you can also start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Mullein is highly adaptable and will tolerate a wide range of soils, but it thrives in poor to average, well-draining soil. It dislikes heavy, wet soils, which can cause root rot.

Starting Seeds:

Cold Stratification: For best results, place the seeds in a moist paper towel inside a plastic bag and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks before planting.

Sowing Indoors: Sow seeds in seed starting trays, pressing them lightly into the surface of the soil. Do not cover the seeds, as they require light to germinate.

Sowing Outdoors: Prepare a seedbed by raking the soil smooth. Scatter seeds over the surface and lightly press them into the soil. Do not cover.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Water seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, mullein is very drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.

Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to a spacing of 12-18 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.

Year 1: Allow the plant to grow as a leafy rosette. Do not expect flowers in the first year.

Year 2: The plant will send up its tall flower spike in the spring. You can harvest leaves for tea at this time. After the flowers fade, the plant will go to seed and die. Mullein self-seeds readily, so you may get new plants in the following years.

Pests and Diseases: Mullein is generally pest and disease-free. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew in humid climates.

Harvesting: Harvest the leaves in the first year or early in the second year. The flowers can be harvested as they open.

Mullein Seeds - Verbascum thapsus

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