Verbascum Thapsus Seeds 'Great Mullein'

• Tall spires of yellow flowers in summer
• Native British wildflower
• Ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens
• Grows well in chalky soils

With its single tall spire of bright yellow flowers rising from a rosette of big furry grey-green leaves, great mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is one of our most striking wildflowers and makes a big impact in the border. This tall biennial is ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens – pollinators love the flowers and wool-carder bees use the hairs on the leaves for nests. It grows well in free-draining chalky soils, and will self-seed freely.

Sow indoors

Sow in deep pots of pre-watered seed compost and lightly cover with vermiculite or a little more compost. Keep at around 15-18°C (59-64F) away from the light, and allow 2-4 weeks for germination.

Grow on

When large enough to handle. transplant into 8cm (3in) pots. Slowly acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after frosts.

Plant out

Choose a sunny spot in any well-drained soil. Ensure soil is well-prepared (raked to a fine tilth and weed-free). Plant approximately 45cm apart.

Sow outdoors

Sow into well-prepared soil and lightly cover. Water the soil as needed. Thin out as they grow to around 45cm apart.

Aftercare

Cut back spent flower spike after first flowering to encourage further blooming. Will set seed close to the original plants.