The wild form of the mullein (Verbascum), also commonly known as wool flower, is often found in Germany on fallow construction sites with gravel-covered soils. Since the plant copes well with extreme drought and heat, caring for it in the right location does not take much time.

The mullein is a very easy-care plant

Should the mullein be watered in summer?

As a rule, the mullein can cope with severe drought without any problems, since the leaves of the plant, also known as wool flower, are protected from evaporation by fine hairs.

Can you transplant the mullein?

Basically, transplanting only makes sense for biennial and perennial mulleins, but this should only be considered when choosing a more suitable location. If you have to remove a mullein from a garden bed for design reasons, you can obtain root cuttings for propagation when transplanting and then replant the mother plant as quickly as possible. Be careful not to let the roots dry out and water them at the new location.

When and how is the mullein cut?

After the flowering period of the mullein in midsummer, the seeds form in the capsules before the inflorescence, which can be up to two meters high, begins to wither. If you want to get seeds for sowing, you have to wait until the seeds are ripe, otherwise you can remove the rather unattractive inflorescences earlier. However, leave the pairs of leaves near the ground so that the perennial mulleins can still gather energy for the next season in autumn.

Is the mullein susceptible to pests and diseases?

Basically, the mullein is not particularly susceptible to diseases and pests. Snails can sometimes be a problem for young plants that have just been planted out, and you should gradually acclimate young plants that have been grown indoors to the direct sunlight in the garden.

Should the mullein be fertilized?

Basically, the mullein does not need a particularly nutrient-rich soil. If you want to have a positive effect on the size of the flowers, you can apply a complete fertilizer sparingly in the flower bed in the spring of the second year (when flowers usually form for the first time).

How is the mullein overwintered?

Depending on the subspecies, mulleins are annual, biennial or perennial. The biennial and perennial species can easily overwinter outdoors in most locations. For the varieties that only flower in the second year, the cold stimulus in winter is essential for the formation of the inflorescences.

tips and tricks

If a sunny location that is not prone to waterlogging is selected for the mullein, the plant usually develops its impressive flowers without watering, fertilizing or other care measures. Good drainage of the subsoil is important in heavy soils, otherwise the mullein tends to root rot.

Category:

Herbs