Mullein, also affectionately known as the “Wooly Flower,” is a total standout in the garden, and the good news is that it’s incredibly easy to propagate. Whether you want a field of these golden giants or just a few more accents for your flower beds, there are several ways to get the job done. Here’s the lowdown on how to multiply your Mullein so you can enjoy even more of these beauties next season.
Here are your best options:
- Letting the plant self-seed naturally
- Starting new plants from collected seeds
- Propagating via root cuttings
Mullein is a self-seeding pro
Those tall, iconic flower spikes produce countless yellow blooms, which eventually turn into seed capsules. Once the seeds inside are ripe, the capsules burst open and scatter them all over the neighborhood. If you want to take the easy route, just sit back and let nature do its thing! The trick here is to skip the pruning. Don’t cut back the stalks after they bloom; leave them standing so the seeds can drop and sprout on their own.
How to grow Mullein from seed
If you prefer a bit more control, you can harvest the seed capsules yourself. Wait until they are just about to burst before picking them. Collect the seeds and sow them while they’re still fresh for the best results. You can plant them directly in your garden beds or start them in pots with some high-quality seed-starting mix.
One important tip: Mullein seeds are “light germinators,” meaning they shouldn’t be buried under the soil. Just scatter them on the surface and gently press them down so they make good contact with the dirt. Give them a light watering, but don’t overdo it—these plants hate “wet feet.” Mullein thrives in sunny spots with soil that stays on the drier side.
Using root cuttings for propagation
The third method is using root cuttings. On a dry day, carefully dig around the base of the plant to expose some roots and snip off a piece about two to four inches long. You’ll need to keep this cutting in a cool, moist place over the winter to let it develop. Once spring rolls around and it has established some growth, you can transplant it into the garden. While this method is a bit more work than the others, it’s a great way to guarantee a clone of a specific plant you love!
