The mullein, which belongs to the genus Verbascum, is also popularly known as the wool flower due to its velvety soft, finely hairy leaves or as the weather candle due to its characteristic shape. If you pay attention to a few things when planting mullein, caring for these plants is relatively inexpensive.
How to plant a mullein correctly?
To plant a mullein, choose a full sun and warm location, sow seeds in moderately moist seed soil or plant root cuttings. Young plants should have at least four pairs of leaves and be approximately 50 cm apart in the garden bed.
How does mullein grow as a plant?
Many types of mullein are biennial or perennial and only form inflorescences up to two meters high in the second year after sowing. The candle-shaped inflorescences are covered all over with a large number of small individual flowers, which in the wild form are yellow, but sometimes also violet, pink or blue.
Which location should you choose for the mullein?
Although the mullein can also thrive in partial shade in sheltered locations, a location that is as warm and sunny as possible is generally recommended. Drought due to sunlight is usually not a problem for the mullein; it can also survive dry phases without artificial irrigation.
Can mullein be grown from seeds?
If you don't let the mullein do the propagation work anyway with the uncomplicated self-sowing method, you can also grow young plants from seeds in a plant pot (€6.00 on Amazon) or a plant box. But pay attention to:
- the use of seeds that are as fresh as possible
- Press the plants lightly into the substrate
- to keep the sowing soil moderately moist
Which propagation methods are recommended for the mullein?
In addition to propagation via seeds, the formation of root cuttings can also be considered for mullein. This propagation method is particularly recommended for the propagation of true-to-variety young plants from hybrid varieties.
When is the flowering time of the mullein?
The mullein blooms in most regions of Central Europe from July to August, but sometimes even into September. Since the individual flowers on the candle-shaped flower stem only gradually open, the flowering period is relatively long and lasts several weeks.
At what distance should mullein be planted?
After growing on the windowsill from February, the young mulleins can be planted in the garden bed as soon as at least four pairs of leaves have formed. A minimum distance of around 50 centimeters should be maintained between the individual mulleins.
Tips & Tricks
Once established in the garden, mulleins often choose a favorite spot in the garden by themselves and through self-sowing. This can often be on a gravelly roadside or on the edge of a stone wall.
