Verbens come in a wide variety of versions. Planting them successfully is not a gardening masterpiece. If you haven't dared to do it yet, don't despair. But you should keep the following aspects in mind when planting
How do I plant verbena correctly?
To plant verbena successfully, choose a sunny location with nutrient-rich, well-drained and slightly calcareous soil. The seeds are sown in May, or you can plant them indoors from February onwards. Regular trimming promotes bushy growth.
Which location do verbena prefer?
Verbenas prefer to grow in a south-facing, full-sun location. A partially shaded location represents a compromise for these plants, which are largely not hardy. They can be planted both in pots and containers as well as outdoors in beds.
The soil should ideally be mixed with compost or manure before planting or sowing. For plants on the balcony, normal potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon) and a later regular supply of liquid fertilizer are sufficient. Basically, the substrate should have the following properties:
- nutrient-rich
- permeable
- humid environment
- calcareous to neutral
- humos
When should verbena be sown?
Since most types of verbena are not perennial, they have to be brought back to life by sowing them every year. Verbenas often multiply through self-sowing. Sow outdoors in May at a distance of 30 cm.
Is moving forward at home recommended?
If you want to plant verbenas on your balcony, you can grow them indoors from February. The room temperature should be between 19 and 20 °C. You can put the plants out from the end of May.
When do verbena flowers and when can their seeds be collected?
Verbenas bloom happily from April until autumn if their spent inflorescences are regularly cut off. In autumn the fruit capsules with the seeds form. The seeds can be collected in late autumn. Attention: When ripe, the fruit capsules burst open and send the seeds outside
Are there suitable plant neighbors?
Verbenas look most beautiful in tuffs of three to five plants. Visually, they look great next to plant neighbors such as corn poppies, astilbes, petunias (on the balcony), foxgloves, fireweed and magnificent candles.
Tips & Tricks
If you deadhead the young plants from a height of 8 cm, they will grow bushier and look more appealing overall.
