Since verbenas generally do not survive excessively severe frost, their lifespan is short. If you don't want to miss out on the wonderfully flowering plants, you should multiply them. And that’s how it works!
How can you successfully propagate verbena?
To propagate verbena, collect or buy seeds and sow them in fall, winter or spring. Moisten the seeds in nutrient-poor soil, keep them 4-6 cm apart and transplant them after 3-4 weeks of germination, ideally after the ice saints in full sun.
Collect or buy seeds
If you have verbena in the garden or on the balcony, leave the last flowers in late summer and do not cut them off. Once the seeds have formed, you can collect them or leave them on the plant. Verbena plants like to self-seed. Alternatively, you can buy the seeds from specialist retailers.
The right time for sowing
Verbenas can be sown in autumn, winter or spring. When the seeds are placed in the ground in autumn or winter, they are exposed to a necessary cold stimulus. This stimulates their germination process. If the seeds are sown in late spring, they should be exposed to an artificial cold stimulus, for example in the refrigerator at home.
From seed to seedling – step by step
After you have freed the seeds from the hermitage or alternatively bought them, it's time to sow them:
- Choose a cultivation container or pot
- fill with nutrient-poor soil
- Press seeds in and cover lightly with soil
- Keep a distance of 4 to 6 cm between the individual seeds
- Keep soil moist with warm water
- Germination time: 3 to 4 weeks
As soon as the first three to four leaves are visible, the verbena can be transplanted. However, it should be noted that there is no longer any frost. It is best if you don't plant out the young plants until after the Ice Saints in May. The ideal location for the verbena is in full sun.
Tips & Tricks
Some verbenas that are woody at the base can alternatively be propagated using cuttings. These include, for example, vervain.