Common Mullein Seeds - Verbascum thapsus | 100 Seeds

Scientific name: Verbascum thapsus

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), also called great mullein or wooly mullein, is a striking biennial wildflower native to Europe and Asia, now naturalized across North America. Known for its dramatic flower spike and soft, velvety leaves, it's a bold addition to naturalized gardens and meadows.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full to Part Sun
• Life Cycle: Biennial (Zones 4–8)
• Height: 2–10 feet (second year)
• Spread: 3 feet
• Bloom: Summer (second year)
• Wildlife tend not to browse: Yes

Plant Description

• First year: Forms a large rosette of fuzzy, velvety silver-gray leaves (up to 20 inches long)
• Second year: Produces a tall, unbranched flower stalk topped with a dense spike of small yellow flowers
• Flowers: Open before dawn, close by mid-afternoon; bloom from bottom to top over several weeks
• Habitat: Thrives in disturbed soils, roadsides, meadows, and gardens

Germination & Planting

• Sow: Direct sow in fall or start 6–8 weeks before last frost indoors
• Cold stratification: Not required, but a 2–4 week cold period improves germination rates
• Germination: 10–20 days at 65–75°F; seeds need light to germinate — do not cover
• Soil: Well-drained, poor to average soil; tolerates rocky or sandy conditions
• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart

Life Cycle

• Biennial: Year 1 = rosette; Year 2 = flowering spike, then plant sets seed and dies
• Seeds are prolific and long-lived — can remain viable in soil for decades
• Self-sows readily for a naturalized, low-maintenance planting

Garden Uses

• Pollinator support: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
• Natural dyes: Flowers yield yellow, green, or brown dyes
• Drought-tolerant once established — low maintenance
• Wildlife habitat: Provides overwintering sites for native bees

Each packet contains 100 seeds. Grown and shipped from our Maryland nursery in Maryland.

What You’ll Receive

Your order includes the seed quantity selected above, packed and labeled for planting.

Arrival Support

Unpack promptly after delivery. If there is a problem with your order on arrival, contact us within 24 hours and include clear photos so we can help.

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