Mullein Verbascum 'Firedance'

Water

Mullien 'Firedance' prefers a moderate amount of water. It should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Depending on the size of the plant, a good rule of thumb is to use about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil per week during the growing season. In hotter and drier climates, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy conditions, you can reduce watering to once every two weeks. It is important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Always check the soil moisture before watering to determine if the plant needs water.

Light

Mullien 'Firedance' thrives best in full sunlight conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Being a sun-loving plant, Mullien 'Firedance' is not well-suited for shade or low-light areas. Ensuring adequate sunlight will help promote vigorous growth and optimize its blooming potential.

Temperature

Mullien 'Firedance' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in environments where the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum temperatures of about 85°F, although extreme temperatures can stress the plant. To ensure the plant thrives, it should ideally be kept in conditions where these ideal temperatures are maintained.

Pruning

Mullien 'Firedance' benefits from occasional pruning to remove spent flower spikes and to encourage additional blooming. This should be done after the initial flowering has finished, usually in late summer or early fall. Pruning helps to concentrate the plant’s energy on producing more blooms and maintaining a tidy appearance. Deadheading, or removing the faded flowers, can also be performed throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mullein 'Firedance' thrives in well-draining, sandy or rocky soil with added organic matter. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and compost or aged manure can provide suitable growing conditions.

Repotting

Mullein 'Firedance' does not require frequent repotting as it is generally grown as a biennial. It is typically sown directly outdoors, but if started in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound.

Humidity & Misting

Mullein 'Firedance' prefers low to average humidity levels and is tolerant of dry air conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in its preferred outdoor setting.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun; well-draining soil; space 45cm apart.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Verbascum 'Firedance', commonly known as the Mullein 'Firedance', starts its life as seeds, which germinate in spring if sown in well-draining soil and exposed to light. After germination, the seedlings develop into rosettes of hairy, lance-shaped leaves. In the second year of growth, the plant produces a tall flower spike bearing a multitude of bright red-orange blossoms that can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following the flowering period, which usually occurs in late spring to summer, the plant sets seed. These seeds disperse to create new plants, completing the cycle. Although Mullein 'Firedance' is a perennial, continued performance may require reseeding or division every few years as individual plants can be short-lived.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Verbascum 'Firedance', also known as Mullein, is through seed sowing. The best time for sowing Mullein seeds is in late winter to early spring. Such timing allows the plants to become well-established before the onset of colder weather. To propagate by seed, one can scatter the tiny seeds onto the surface of well-draining soil and lightly press them into the mixture without covering them, as light is needed for germination. Providing consistent moisture and warmth, seeds typically germinate within 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are strong enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final location in the garden. It's important to space the plants about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to accommodate for their mature size.