Mullein Mixed

Mullein Mixed — variety description

Mullein Mixed (Verbascum phoeniceum) is a biennial herb of the Scrophulariaceae family. A useful perennial, especially for hot sunny spots.

The plants form a low, ground-hugging rosette of wrinkled green leaves, bearing upright stems and flower heads in a range of soft pastel colours, from white through pink to rose and lilac.

Although they are not long-lived perennials, they usually self-seed.

Seedlings transplant easily while small. Most effective when planted in groups towards the middle of the border.

Mullein is an imposing biennial herb with tall yellow spikes – medicinal for coughs and ornamental.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 91%
• Seeds per packet: 1360–1840 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April – June; direct
• Flowering: April and May
• Harvest: July – November
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Mullein Mixed

Mullein Mixed seeds are sown in April – June. The plants flower in April and May. The crop is harvested from July to November. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Mullein Mixed

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 40–50 cm
• Germination: 14–21 days
• Position: sunny spot

Sow thinly on the surface and cover very lightly with fine seed compost. Place in a clear plastic bag or cover with a piece of glass to maintain humidity. Place away from direct sunlight at 15-18°C to germinate. Emergence 7 to 21 days. Plant in sun 30-45 cm apart in well-drained soil once all danger of frost has passed. Transplant into pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in cool conditions.

Likes dry soil; self-seeds.

Harvest and use

The flowers are picked and dried.

Frequently asked questions

When should Mullein Mixed be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April – June. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 1360–1840 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 91%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.