Mullein Verbascum 'Primrose Cottage'

Water

For the Mullein 'Primrose Cottage', it’s essential to maintain a balance in watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plant. During the active growth season, generally in the spring and summer, water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry. This might translate to watering once every 7 to 10 days, but the exact frequency depends on environmental conditions. When you water, do so deeply so that water reaches the deep roots, using about 1 gallon for an established plant, ensuring you're not just wetting the surface. In the fall and winter, reduce the frequency as the plant goes into a dormant state, requiring much less water. Always ensure good drainage to prevent water from pooling at the base of the plant.

Light

The Mullein 'Primrose Cottage' thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a location where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. However, in extremely hot climates, it can benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching. Make sure not to place it in full shade as this can affect its blooming and overall health.

Temperature

The Mullein 'Primrose Cottage' is hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers to be in a climate where the average temperature doesn't drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some freezing temperatures, but extended exposure to temperatures below freezing can be harmful to the plant. The ideal temperature range for this plant falls between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.

Pruning

Mullein 'Primrose Cottage' generally requires pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to maintain the plant's appearance and promote continued flowering. Additionally, prune back any damaged or dead foliage to keep the plant healthy. The best time for more extensive pruning is in late fall or early winter after the plant has finished blooming for the season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Mullein ‘Primrose Cottage’ should be well-draining, with a loamy or sandy composition, enriched with organic matter. A recommended soil pH range for optimal growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. It's critical to avoid soils that retain excess moisture to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein, generally does not require frequent repotting. Repot the plant every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container. Spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress on the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Mullein ‘Primrose Cottage’ is not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average room humidity. It prefers a dry environment and does not require increased humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil lightly moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, space 12 inches apart.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Mullein 'Primrose Cottage', typically classified as a biennial plant, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm soil conditions. During its first year, it develops a rosette of fuzzy, silvery-green leaves that remain close to the ground. In its second year, a tall flower spike emerges from the center of the rosette, reaching heights of up to 2 meters and bearing yellow saucer-shaped flowers that bloom successively over several weeks. After flowering and pollination, the plant produces capsules filled with countless tiny seeds, completing its reproductive phase. Upon seed dispersal, the parent plant often dies, but the seeds may lie dormant in the soil until conditions are right for the next generation to germinate. In some conditions, mullein can exhibit perennial characteristics by maintaining a low foliage profile in off-years and not dying immediately after seeding.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The common mullein, also known as Verbascum 'Primrose Cottage', is typically propagated through seeds. Seed propagation is most effective when performed in late winter to early spring. The seeds should be surface-sown on a well-drained seed compost and gently pressed into the soil but not covered, as they need light to germinate. The container with seeds should be kept at a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) and maintained in a bright location without direct sunlight. It typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks for germination to occur. Once sown, the surface should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After the seedlings have developed and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to their final growing positions, ensuring they are spaced out to accommodate their mature size.