Moth mullein Verbascum blattaria

Water

Moth mullein, or Verbascum blattaria, prefers to be kept in soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be approximately once a week, though this can vary depending on the environment's humidity and temperature. Provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water to evenly moisten the soil, taking care not to inundate the plant. In hotter temperatures or during growing season, you may need to water more frequently. During winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot as the plant's growth slows down.

Light

Moth mullein thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for the plant is one where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it is adaptable and can tolerate a little bit of shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Ensure the plant is not in full shade, as this will diminish its blooming potential and overall health.

Temperature

Moth mullein grows best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, with a tolerance for minimum temperatures down to around 10°F and maximum temperatures up to around 90°F. The plant is fairly frost hardy and can survive cooler winter temperatures, but should be protected from prolonged freezes. Ideally, maintain the plant in an environment where it can enjoy temperate conditions without experiencing extreme cold or heat.

Pruning

Pruning moth mullein is mainly performed to remove spent flower stalks, which encourages reblooming and prevents unwanted self-seeding. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to maintain the plant's shape and remove damaged or dead leaves. The best time for major pruning is in late fall or early spring before new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Moth mullein thrives in well-draining soil with a slight preference for alkaline conditions, aiming for a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost will create an ideal environment for growth, providing good drainage and moderate fertility.

Repotting

Moth mullein does not often require repotting as it is a biennial and typically completes its lifecycle in two years. Repot young plants if they outgrow their current containers, which may not happen frequently.

Humidity & Misting

Moth mullein is not particularly demanding concerning humidity; it can tolerate dry air quite well. Average room humidity is typically sufficient for moth mullein, with no special requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in sunlight and use well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, low maintenance.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Verbascum blattaria, commonly known as moth mullein, first establishes as a rosette of basal leaves, which may overwinter depending on climate. From this rosette stage, a tall floral stalk grows, potentially reaching up to two meters in height, during its second year. The plant blooms in summer to early fall, producing flowers arranged in a spike with a distinctive five-petaled corolla, often white or yellow, with purplish stamen filaments. Following pollination by insects attracted to the flower's color and pattern, the plant sets seed in capsules. These seeds are dispersed by wind or mechanical means, allowing the plant to colonize new areas. After seed dispersal, the plant completes its biennial life cycle, typically dying, while the new seeds may remain dormant until conditions are favorable for germination.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Verbascum blattaria, commonly known as moth mullein, is typically propagated by seeds. The most popular method of propagation is direct sowing into the ground. Ideally, the seeds are sown in spring after the last frost has passed, when the soil temperature is around 70°F (approximately 21°C). Simply scatter the seeds on a well-prepared seedbed, press them lightly into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Water the area gently to keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to give them adequate space to grow. It is a straightforward process that does not require any special equipment or technical skills.