How to Grow Mullein from Seed

Plan to plant mullein in the late summer or before the last frost of spring. Your plants will become established much more easily in cooler weather. If mullein is planted during the heat of summer, you run the risk of the seeds not germinating properly or of the seedlings becoming scorched by the sun.

Choose your mullein seeds carefully. It is best to find local organic mullein seeds whenever possible. This will ensure that the mullein is hearty to your particular growing conditions and that the seeds are as healthy as possible. For local seeds, check with your local gardening club or with a small nursery. They will often carry seeds harvested locally.

Decide on a growing location for your mullein. The seeds will do better in a sunny area of the garden with rather dry soil that has an alkaline property to it. If your soil is not suitable, you might search for somewhere else to plant your seeds or try to alter the composition of your soil with the help of a professional.

Till and lightly water the soil of the area where you want to plant your mullein seeds. Plant them shallowly and lightly cover with soil and a thin layer of mulch. It will take your mullein seeds about 2 weeks to germinate.

Observe your mullein seedlings and pull out the weaker ones. Mullein plants do not require much care, but you will want to weed regularly. Your plants will likely blossom the year after planting.

Cut back the stem of your mullein plant after it flowers and mulch well before each winter to keep cold weather from killing it. Use the roots of your existing mullein plants to cultivate new plants if you need more of the herb in your garden. Once your plants are established, you will not have to start the planting process from seed again.