Common Mullein seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring or autumn. They germinate readily in sunny, well-drained locations.
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Naturalized biennial flowerScrophulariaceae
Seeds
Common Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
This spectacular biennial forms a rosette of woolly silver foliage followed by a tall spike of yellow flowers. Drought tolerant, Common Mullein suits poor soil, dry slopes, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
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Minimum 500 seeds
Full sun
USDA Zones 3 to 9
Sandy to rocky, poor, dry, and sharply drained
Discover the plant
Common Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
This spectacular biennial forms a rosette of woolly silver foliage followed by a tall spike of yellow flowers. Drought tolerant, Common Mullein suits poor soil, dry slopes, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
FamilyScrophulariaceae
TypeNaturalized biennial flower
CycleBiennial
Quantity per packetMinimum 500 seeds
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an imposing biennial recognized by a broad rosette of thick, silvery-green leaves covered in soft woolly hairs. During its first year, it mainly develops basal foliage; in the second, a tall upright flowering stalk may reach 1.5 to 2.5 m. Numerous yellow flowers open progressively along the spike from June through September, extending ornamental interest over many weeks. Its strong vertical silhouette creates a dramatic focal point in naturalized gardens. Exceptionally hardy, it overwinters successfully as a rosette in Quebec before completing its cycle and producing abundant seed.
Common Mullein prefers full sun and poor sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil with excellent drainage. Once established, it tolerates drought remarkably well and succeeds where more demanding perennials often struggle. The tiny seeds should be surface sown or covered with no more than 2 mm of medium because light encourages germination. Spring or autumn sowing is suitable. Maintain light moisture until seedlings emerge, then gradually reduce watering. Fertilizer is rarely required; overly rich soil may produce weak stems and excessive leafy growth. Avoid permanently wet ground, heavy compacted clay, and locations where the tall flower stalk may be damaged by strong wind.
In the garden, Common Mullein suits dry slopes, rock gardens, wildflower meadows, controlled naturalized areas, and pollinator plantings. Its flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees, bumblebees, and other beneficial insects over an extended period. Pair it with Yarrow, Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, and Wild Bergamot to create a drought-tolerant planting. Because Verbascum thapsus produces enormous quantities of seed and may reseed aggressively, remove flower spikes before maturity where spread must be limited. This species is best grown for ornamental and ecological value rather than for food, smoking, or unsupervised medicinal use.
Sowing guide
From packetto germination.
Sowing periodSpring or autumn
Best timeSpring or autumn
Sowing depthSurface to a maximum of 2 mm
Spacing / density45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Germination temperature18 to 22°C
Germination time7 to 30 days
PropagationSeed and abundant natural reseeding
Growing method
Surface sow Common Mullein seeds or cover them with no more than 2 mm of soil in spring or autumn. Light promotes fast, even germination. This biennial thrives in poor, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils and forms a large woolly leaf rosette during its first year before producing its impressive flowering spike in the second season. Full sun encourages sturdy growth and abundant blooms. Once established, it readily self-seeds and requires very little maintenance.
Soil and care
The rightconditions.
ExposureFull sun
SoilSandy to rocky, poor, dry, and sharply drained
Soil pHApproximately 6.0 to 8.0
WateringModerate during establishment; low afterward
FertilizationNone or very light compost
Care levelLow
In spring, clear damp debris from around first-year rosettes and confirm that the soil drains rapidly. Water young plants only when the ground becomes very dry. During the second year, stake the flowering stem in sites exposed to strong wind. Avoid rich fertilizer and frequent watering. After flowering, remove spikes before the capsules mature to prevent abundant reseeding, or leave a few in a controlled naturalized area. In autumn, remove plants that have completed their life cycle when their dry structure is not desired through winter.
Container growing
A controlledenvironment.
Recommended pot size40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)
Common Mullein can be grown in deep containers at least 40 cm (16 in) deep using a sharply drained growing medium. Because it develops a long taproot, tall containers are preferable to wide ones. Place the container in full sun and water sparingly once the plant is established. Container growing allows gardeners to enjoy its spectacular flowering spike even in smaller spaces.
Bloom and dimensions
The completeprofile.
Bloom periodJune to September, generally in the second year
Flower colorYellow
Foliage colorSilvery green, densely woolly
Foliage typeSemi-evergreen rosette depending on climate
HarvestHarvest flowers and leaves during summer, then collect seeds in late season
FruitingCapsules containing numerous tiny seeds
Maximum heightApproximately 2.5 m
Maximum widthApproximately 60 cm
Growth rateModerate
Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3 to 9
Minimum temperatureApproximately -40°C as an overwintering rosette
Garden associations
What to plantwith it.
Good companionsYarrow, Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, and Wild Bergamot
Avoid planting withNorthern Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, and wet-soil plants
Dry slope, wildflower meadow, and pollinator garden
Recipe and inspiration
From the gardento inspiration.
The young leaves and flowers have a long history of use in traditional herbal teas and herbal preparations. Flowers can be harvested gradually throughout summer and dried for later use. Proper identification is essential before using any wild or cultivated medicinal plant. Today, Common Mullein is primarily grown for its ornamental beauty, pollinator value, and ecological importance.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Yes. Common Mullein is exceptionally hardy throughout Canada and often self-seeds naturally from year to year.
Yes. Its abundant yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, bumblebees, and many other beneficial pollinating insects over a long flowering season.
Yes. Common Mullein thrives in poor, sandy, rocky, and dry soils where many other plants struggle to establish.
Yes. The flowers and leaves have a long history of traditional herbal use. As with any medicinal plant, proper identification and appropriate guidance are recommended before use.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer
Deer
