Also known as Mullein · 390 saves
Verbascum
Verbascum, the genus most gardeners know as mullein. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 13 most-saved Verbascum varieties
4 species of Verbascum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Verbascum in Sow
Save the Verbascum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Verbascum
Whats common across all Verbascum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them.
The Verbascum year
- DeadheadJune–August85% of varieties
Cut spent flower spikes back to the basal rosette to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March85% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged foliage from the basal rosette.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October38% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or fall; sow seeds in late summer.
- StakeMay and June38% of varieties
Stake the tall flower spikes as they grow to prevent wind damage.
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply organic compost annually
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy, poorly drained soils
- Refrain from excessive fertilizing, which can reduce flowering
What goes wrong with Verbascum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Stippled, dulled foliage with fine webbing in hot dry weather | Hose the foliage and keep the plant reasonably watered in heat |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and use organic fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and brown roots | Reduce watering and improve drainage |
Making more Verbascum
seeds
- Collect mature seeds in late summer.
- Sow seeds on surface of well-drained soil in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and place in full sun.
- Germination occurs within 2-3 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after emergence.
Cuttings
- Take basal cuttings in early spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist compost.
- Keep cuttings humid for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Verbascum questions
How many types of Verbascum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Verbascum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 390 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Verbascum grow in?
Across its varieties, Verbascum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Verbascum bloom?
Most Verbascum varieties bloom in late spring to late summer, late spring to mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Verbascum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.