The Mullein plant—also known as the “Velvet Plant” because of its soft, fuzzy leaves—is a fantastic, low-maintenance addition to any garden. It’s super easy to grow and propagate once you know a few simple tricks. Here’s everything you need to know to get these beauties established so you can enjoy those iconic tall flower spikes in your own backyard.
Sowing Mullein Seeds
The most common way to get Mullein started is from seed. While the process isn’t difficult, you do need a little bit of patience. Many varieties are biennials, meaning they spend their first year growing a lush rosette of leaves and don’t send up those gorgeous flower stalks until their second year. If you’re looking to brighten up your landscape, think of this as a long-term investment!
In a happy garden, Mullein will actually do the work for you by self-seeding. You’ll likely notice “volunteer” babies popping up around the mother plant on their own. However, if you want to be more intentional about where they grow, you can start the seeds yourself. Just keep these tips in mind:
Quick Tips for Starting Seeds:
- Always use fresh seeds for the best germination rates.
- Fill a pot with a high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Mullein seeds need light to germinate! Just press them gently onto the surface of the soil rather than burying them.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
One of the best things about Mullein is that it’s not a “diva.” It’s perfectly happy in poor, rocky, or dry soil where other plants might struggle. The most important thing is sunshine. While Mullein can tolerate partial shade, it really thrives in full sun. The more light it gets, the taller and more impressive those flower spikes will be.
When it comes to watering, Mullein is very self-sufficient. You really only need to step in with the hose during extreme droughts. The one thing this plant absolutely hates is “wet feet.” To prevent root rot, make sure the soil drains well and doesn’t collect standing water. If your garden soil is a bit heavy or clay-like, you can improve the drainage by mixing in some grit or creating a drainage layer at root depth. Your Mullein will thank you with steady, healthy growth!