How to Grow Verbena Brazilian Vervain From Seed

Verbena brasiliensis and Verbena bonariensis are two synonymous botanical names for Brazilian vervain, a perennial species of flowering herb grown as an ornamental for its showy purple flower clusters. The species is distinguished from other varieties of vervain by its lanky stature, which reaches 4 to 5 feet at maturity. As with all species of verbena, Brazilian vervain grows effortlessly from seeds and will flower during its first year, but the plants must be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost to produce a healthy root system before planting time.

Things You'll Need

Six-pack planting container
Potting soil
Medium-grit sand

Spray bottle
Propagation mat

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a plastic six-pack planting container with a mixture of two parts potting soil and one part medium-grit sand. Leave a slight, 1/4-inch-tall gap between the soil mix and the top of the planting container.
- 2
  Place two Brazilian vervain seeds in each cell of the planting container. Spread a 1/8-inch-thick layer of potting soil over the seeds. Firm the soil on top of the seeds.
- 3
  Pour 3 or 4 tablespoons of water into each cell of the planting container to moisten the top 1/2 inch of soil. Maintain moisture at that level while the Brazilian vervain seeds germinate.
- 4
  Place the six-pack planting container on a propagation mat. Set the temperature to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 70 degrees F during the day.
- 5
  Watch for germination in 20 to 30 days. Remove the less vigorous of the two Brazilian verbena seedlings from each cell of the planting container.
- 6
  Move the planting container to a bright, sunny spot near a window once the seedlings emerge. Keep the soil moderately moist at a depth of 1/2 inch as the seedlings develop.
- 7
  Plant the Brazilian vervain plants in a sunny bed with good drainage two weeks after the last frost. Space the seedlings 12 inches apart.

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