Common Mullein

Choosing Common Mullein Seeds

Hey there, gardening newbie! Common Mullein is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that’s perfect for beginners. You can find seeds at garden centers or online under the name "Common Mullein." Since it’s a wildflower, it doesn’t need much pampering.

Tip: If you're looking to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, this plant is a great choice!

Timing

Mullein likes cooler weather, so it's best to start planting in early spring or even late fall if you live in a warmer climate. The seeds are pretty tough, so they don’t mind a bit of cold.

Tools and Materials

Common Mullein seeds

A patch of soil (it grows well in poor soil, so no need for fancy stuff)

Basic garden tools like a trowel or your hands

• A sunny or partially shaded spot

Tip: You don’t need rich soil for Mullein—it actually prefers poor, dry soil. So, if you’ve got an area in your yard that nothing else seems to grow in, this plant will probably love it!

Step-by-Step Planting Process:

1. Prepare the Soil: Clear the area of weeds or debris. Mullein doesn’t need super-rich soil, but it does like good drainage. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand to loosen it up.
2. Sow the Seeds: Simply scatter the seeds over the soil surface. You don’t need to bury them deep—just lightly press them into the soil with your hand or the back of a rake. They need light to germinate, so don’t cover them too much.
3. Water Gently: After sowing, give the area a gentle watering. You want the soil to be moist but not soggy.
4. Spacing: If you’re planting in a garden bed, aim for about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) between seeds or seedlings. This plant gets pretty big as it grows, so give it some room to spread out.

Tip: Mullein seeds are tiny, so don’t worry about being too precise when scattering them. Nature takes care of the rest!

Sunlight Requirements

Mullein loves sunlight! It thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best results.

Watering Method

Once established, Mullein is quite drought-tolerant, meaning it doesn’t need frequent watering. In fact, overwatering can harm it more than underwatering.

• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• During hot, dry spells, water every week or so, but avoid soaking the leaves.

Tip: Always water at the base of the plant to prevent moisture from sitting on the leaves, which can lead to rot.

Fertilizing Tips

You really don’t need to fertilize Mullein. It’s used to growing in poor soil and can thrive without extra nutrients. If you feel the need to feed it, use a very diluted, all-purpose fertilizer once during the growing season.

Supporting Your Plants

Mullein plants can grow tall (up to 6 feet/1.8 meters), so they might need a bit of support if they’re in a windy area. Use a simple stake or bamboo pole and loosely tie the stem to it with soft string.

Tip: The flower stalks can get heavy when they bloom, so staking early is a good idea if you notice the plant leaning.

When to Harvest

Common Mullein blooms in its second year, producing tall spikes of yellow flowers. You can harvest different parts of the plant at various times:

• Leaves: Harvest the large, fuzzy leaves in the first year or early in the second year before the plant starts flowering.
• Flowers: Pick the yellow flowers as they bloom throughout the summer.
• Roots: If you’re interested in using the roots, dig them up in the fall of the first year or early spring of the second year.

How to Harvest

• Leaves: Use scissors or your hands to gently cut or pull the leaves from the base of the plant.
• Flowers: Pinch or snip off the flowers as they open.
• Roots: Use a small garden fork or trowel to carefully dig around the plant and lift the roots.

Tip: Wear gloves when handling Mullein leaves—they’re fuzzy and can irritate sensitive skin.

Storage

• Dry the leaves and flowers by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place or laying them flat on a screen.
• Once dried, store them in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
• Roots can also be dried and stored similarly.

Tip: Dried Mullein leaves and flowers are often used in herbal teas or remedies, so make sure they’re completely dry before storing to prevent mold.

1. My Mullein plant looks droopy.

Cause: This could be due to either too much water or not enough.

Solution: Check the soil—if it’s soggy, reduce watering. If it’s bone dry, give it a good drink and see if it perks up.

2. Why are my Mullein leaves turning yellow?

Cause: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

Solution: Ensure your soil drains well and cut back on watering. Mullein doesn’t like wet feet!

3. Is Mullein invasive?

Cause: Mullein can self-seed easily, which means it may spread more than you’d like.

Solution: To control its spread, remove the flower spikes before they go to seed. Alternatively, enjoy its naturalizing habit in wilder parts of your garden.

4. Can I grow Mullein indoors?

Cause: While Mullein can technically grow indoors, it prefers outdoor conditions since it can get quite large.

Solution: If you do want to try, choose a large pot and place it in the sunniest window you have. But remember, it’s really happiest outside.

5. Are there pests or diseases I should watch for?

Cause: Mullein is generally pest-free, but occasionally aphids or spider mites may appear.

Solution: A strong spray of water usually takes care of these pests. For larger infestations, use an insecticidal soap.