Sow mullein on the surface after frost, or in fall. Press the seed in and do not bury it — it needs light to germinate.
Sow seed on the surface after frost
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | After the last frost, or in fall for a spring start | Do not bury seed in cold, wet ground and wait |
| Depth | Press the seed onto the surface. Leave it exposed — it needs light | Do not cover it with soil |
| Moisture | Keep the surface moist until sprouts show, often two to three weeks | Do not let the crust dry, then flood it |
| Move | Direct sow where the plant will stay, or move a very young seedling with soil intact | Do not lift an established taproot to “fix” the spot |
Surface sow in late spring to early summer, or in fall where the seed can sit through winter. [1] The seed needs light, so do not cover it. [2] At about 68 to 86°F, sprouts often show in 15 to 20 days. [3] Sun and lean drain for the planted bed are on How to Grow Mullein. Southern Charm can bloom the first year from seed; many biennial kinds wait until year two.
How do I grow mullein from seed?
Surface-sow after frost, or in fall. Press the seed in and do not cover it. Keep the surface moist until it sprouts.
Do I cover mullein seed?
No. Press it onto the surface and leave it exposed. Burying it is why packets fail.
How to sow mullein
Scatter a pinch on draining ground in full sun, press it, and keep the surface moist until green shows.
- Wait until after the last frost, or sow in fall where the seed can sit through winter.
- Rake a fine, draining surface. Scatter the seed. Press it in. Do not cover it.
- Keep the surface moist until sprouts show, often in two to three weeks.
- Thin so each rosette has room. Do not leave a mat of seedlings on top of one another. [4]
- If you started in a pot, move the seedling while it is still small, with the soil intact. The taproot resents a later move.
What month to sow mullein?
After your last frost, or in fall. Indoor flats can start in early spring if you can give light and not cover the seed.
What fails a buried seed
Burying the seed stops germination because it needs light. Cold, wet mix rots the start. Moving a large seedling tears the taproot. Named hybrids may not come true from seed; buy a plant if you want that color this season. For which kind the packet is, see Types of Mullein.
Press the seed on the surface after frost, keep it moist until it sprouts, and do not bury it.
FAQ
Will a named hybrid come true from seed?
Often not. Buy a plant if you want that color this season, or take a root cutting of a named plant in late fall.
Can I start mullein from a root cutting?
Named hybrids are often started from root cuttings in late fall or winter. Take a pencil-thick piece, insert it upright in gritty mix, and wait until leaves show in spring.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Wisconsin Horticulture -
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-mullein-verbascum-thapsus/ - [2] Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners -
https://www.mofga.org/resources/herbs/mullein/ - [3] Harvest to Table -
https://harvesttotable.com/how-to-grow-verbascum-mullein/ - [4] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/verbascum/
This note is part of Verbascum Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors