Also known as Mullein · 426 saves
Verbascum
Verbascum, the genus most gardeners know as mullein. We track 16 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 16 most-saved Verbascum varieties
7 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 16 most-grown of them.
The Verbascum year
- DeadheadJuly–September75% of varieties
Cut spent flower spikes back to the basal rosette to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April69% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged foliage from the basal rosette.
- PlantApril, May and October50% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or fall; sow seeds in late summer.
- PruneAugust–October31% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks back to the basal rosette after blooming finishes
- StakeJune and July31% 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 | Fine webbing on foliage and stippled, yellowing leaves during hot, dry weather. | Blast the undersides of leaves with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Caterpillars | Chewed margins and holes in the basal leaves. | Handpick the larvae from the foliage or apply Bacillus thuringiensis if damage is severe. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and use organic fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and a decaying, mushy crown in wet soils. | Plant in highly drained soil and avoid overwatering; discard infected plants. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
Making more Verbascum
Seed
- Scatter seeds on moist soil surface in fall or early spring.
- Keep soil moist and wait for germination in 2–3 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after emergence.
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.
Verbascum questions
How many types of Verbascum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 16 distinct Verbascum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 426 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.