Here’s a guide on cultivating mullein:
-
Light: Mullein thrives in full sun; ensure it gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
-
Soil: It prefers well-draining soil but is adaptable to various soil types. Slightly alkaline to neutral soil is ideal.
-
Planting: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost in spring. Cover seeds lightly, about 1/8 inch deep.
-
Spacing: Plant seeds or seedlings about 18-24 inches apart to accommodate their mature size.
-
Watering: Keep soil moist until germination, then water sparingly as mullein is drought-resistant once established.
-
Mulching: Apply a light mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid stem contact to prevent rot.
-
Growth: Mullein can grow up to 6 feet tall, so ensure it has space to grow without overshadowing other plants.
-
Maintenance: Remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients. Mullein generally doesn’t require much additional care.
-
Pests & Diseases: Mullein is relatively pest-free but watch for leaf miners. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
-
Harvesting: Leaves can be harvested anytime; flowers should be picked just as they start to bloom for medicinal use.
-
Drying: Dry harvested parts in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to preserve their properties.
-
Propagation: Mullein self-seeds easily. Remove flower spikes before seeding if you want to control its spread.
-
Overwintering: Being biennial, mullein will die after flowering in its second year, but often self-sows for future growth.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.