Verbascum thapsiforme Schrad Seeds, Great Mullein

Verbascum thapsiforme Schrad Seeds

Key Features & Details Denseflower Mullein

• Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring or autumn, or start indoors. For indoor sowing, cold stratification for a couple of weeks can be beneficial. Sow on the surface or very lightly covered, as they require light for germination.
• Notes: The yellow flowers are a valuable source of pollen and nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Botanical Information Great Mullein

• Botanical Name: Verbascum thapsiforme Schrad.
• Common Names: Great Mullein, Denseflower Mullein
• Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Life Cycle: Biennial
• Flower Color: Bright yellow
• Flower Time: Summer (in its second year)
• Height: 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 to 8 feet)

Characteristics and Usage

• Excellent for cottage gardens
• Informal gardens
• Gravel gardens
• Provides strong vertical interest
• Feature plant
• Good for wildlife gardens
• Attracts bees
• Attracts butterflies
• Pollinator friendly
• Drought-tolerant
• Good for xeriscaping
• Good for dried flower arrangements

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Dislikes shade.
• Soil: Prefers poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including chalky or gravely soils.
• Soil pH: Tolerates very alkaline conditions.
• Moisture: Drought-tolerant once established; requires infrequent watering. Good drainage is essential; allow soil to dry between waterings.
• Germination: Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, but can be slow and erratic.
• Propagation: Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring or autumn, or started indoors. For indoor sowing, cold stratification in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks can be beneficial, though not always necessary. Sow seeds on the surface or very lightly covered, as they require light for germination.
• Additional Notes: Great Mullein is a hardy biennial, generally requiring a period of winter dormancy (cold temperatures) for flowering in its second year. It is hardy in most parts of the UK and Northern Europe (down to -20°C / -15°F) and typically thrives in temperate climates.

Uses and Garden Appeal

• Attracts Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.