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.
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