Mullein Seeds, Common
Common Mullein blooming profusely in the trial gardens at Baker Creek.
Common Mullein also known as “cowboy toilet paper” in bright yellow vase with some spurs and roll a toilet paper.
Close-up macro view of cluster of bright yellow Common Mullein flowers.
A Baker Creek employee peeks through blooming Common Mullein stalks in the garden to show size.
Tall stalks of Common Mullein also known as “cowboy toilet paper” in a florist vase with spurs and toilet paper.
Close-up macro view of single Common Mullein flower.
Common Mullein growing in a field by the bakery in Bakersville.
Mullein Seeds, Common
Common Mullein blooming profusely in the trial gardens at Baker Creek.
Common Mullein also known as “cowboy toilet paper” in bright yellow vase with some spurs and roll a toilet paper.
Close-up macro view of cluster of bright yellow Common Mullein flowers.
A Baker Creek employee peeks through blooming Common Mullein stalks in the garden to show size.
Tall stalks of Common Mullein also known as “cowboy toilet paper” in a florist vase with spurs and toilet paper.
Close-up macro view of single Common Mullein flower.
Common Mullein growing in a field by the bakery in Bakersville.

Mullein Seeds,
Dense Flowered

3.622 Reviews#HB146 · 100 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.50
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.50
Save $-3.50
/

FREE U.S. SHIPPING2-YEAR GUARANTEE

Description

Mullein is well adapted to cottage, gravel, and rock gardens. In its function as a pioneer plant, it loves to protect and cover disturbed soil. The first year, this biennial will create a short basal rosette of thick, soft, pale-green leaves that are sometimes called “cowboy toilet paper” or “flannel leaf.” The second year it will send up a tall stalk of abundant dense flowers unique to this V. densiflorum variety of mullein.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Verbascum densiflorum
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–21
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
24 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Surface sow Dense Flowered Mullein in spring, or start it indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your region's last frost date. The seed is very, very tiny and light aids germination, so press it onto the soil surface rather than burying it; outdoors, press it onto firmed, weed-free ground and keep it misted until it sprouts. Seedlings appear in about 7 to 21 days, and mullein germinates best at 70 to 80 degrees F. Remember that this is a biennial: the first season gives you the leafy rosette, and the flower stalk follows in the second.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • Direct sow seeds in fall/winter or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date.
  • Surface sow seeds (they are very, very tiny) as light aids germination.
  • When sowing outdoors, you can lightly cover them.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-80 F.

How to Grow

  • Prefers well-drained soil, although mullein is tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including poor soil.
  • Drought tolerant.
  • Provide full sun to part shade.
  • Space plants at least 18-24 inches apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • A pest-free plant.
  • It is not typically considered invasive, but if you are concerned about potential invasiveness, ask your local extension agent for more information specific to your region.

How to Save Seeds

  • This biennial will send up a flower stalk in the second year.
  • Allow flower stalk to turn brown and dry before saving the tiny seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

FAQ

Should Dense Flowered Mullein seeds be covered with soil?

No. Surface sow them and press gently into place, because light aids germination and the seeds are extremely tiny. If you are sowing outdoors, a very thin scatter of fine sand or vermiculite will hold them in place without excluding light.

Why didn't my Dense Flowered Mullein bloom the first year?

That is normal for this biennial. The first year it forms a short basal rosette of thick, soft, pale-green leaves sometimes called “cowboy toilet paper” or “flannel leaf,” and in the second year it sends up a tall stalk of the abundant dense flowers unique to this V. densiflorum mullein.

What growing conditions does Dense Flowered Mullein prefer?

Full sun and fairly dry, well-drained soil, though mullein tolerates a range of conditions including poor soil and is drought tolerant. Space plants about 24 inches apart; this is a pest-free plant that works well in cottage, gravel, and rock gardens, where it also serves as a pioneer plant covering disturbed soil.

Customer reviews

3.6 / 5 22 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Grown for remedies: Leaves and flowers go into teas and salves for colds and coughs.

  • Biennial, worth the wait: A soft rosette the first year, towering yellow spikes the second.

  • Comes up thickly: Scattered seed germinates easily and self-sows freely.

  • Tall plants: Second-year stalks reach 5 to 7 feet; give it the back of the bed.

  • Heads up: Considered invasive in some states; cut back before it sets seed.

More to grow!

See all Mullein Seeds