Whether you garden in the ground, in raised beds, on the patio, or anywhere else, mullein is a great addition or re-addition to your plant family. Read on for simple, straightforward specifics about growing mullein.
Jump to:
Family | Container Size | Good Companions | Bad Companions | Soil Conditions | Germination | Sun | Water | Temperature Range | Height | Lifespan | Reproduction | Yield Per Plant | Ingestibility | Further Reading
What Family Does Mullein Belong To?
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, also known as the figwort family.
Some of its relatives include figworts and other mulleins in the large Verbascum genus.
What Size Container Should I Use for Growing Mullein?
The minimum container size recommended for mullein is 5 gallons.
Learn more in our Choosing the Right Planter for Your Container Garden article here.
What Are Good Companion Plants for Mullein?
Some of mullein's best companions are as follows:
What Are Bad Companion Plants for Mullein?
Mullein is not compatible with every plant. Some things to avoid planting with mullein are as follows:
- Chard
- Hosta
- Camellia sinensis and other Camellias
- Watercress
- Marshmallow
What Soil Conditions Does Mullein Need?
Mullein prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5. However, it tolerates a wide variety of soil types and textures.
How Long Does Mullein Take to Germinate?
Mullein takes 2-3 weeks to germinate at a temperature of 65-80°F.
How Much Sun Does Mullein Need?
Mullein needs full sun. It does not tolerate shade.
Sun recommendations can vary by region.
How Much Water Does Mullein Need?
Mullein needs 1 inch of water per week when very young or when in flower. Otherwise, it is drought-tolerant once established.
What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Growing Mullein?
Mullein grows fastest in temperatures of 50-95°F.
This is its ideal temperature range. Although it will grow in temperatures both cooler and warmer than this range, the growth could be slower or even stunted.
Mullein is hardy to around 5°F.
Minimum and maximum temperatures will vary by variety. Some mullein varieties are bred for late fall harvests and others for warmer climates.
How Tall Does Mullein Get?
The average height of mullein is 5-12 feet.
Is Mullein Annual, Biennial, or Perennial?
Mullein is a biennial herb, meaning that its life cycle spans 2 years, and it flowers, produces seed, and dies in its second year.
It typically produces a rosette of leaves in its first year. In its second year, it will send up a flowering stalk shortly before going to seed.
How Does Mullein Reproduce?
Mullein reproduces by seed, which is produced by the flowering stalk it sends up in its second year of life.
How Much Mullein is Produced Per Plant?
For mullein, how much is produced per plant (also called the yield) largely depends on the type and variety.
Mullein's production also depends on its age and size. Most mature mullein plants produce around 50 leaves each year.
Can Mullein Be Ingested?
Mullein leaves are edible. Many people find them unpleasant to eat, especially raw, due to their signature fuzzy hairs, but they are edible. Mullein leaves and roots (cooked) are also edible.
Mullein leaves, flowers, and roots have antispasmodic and expectorant properties and can be used in herbal preparations. The most common preparations are tea and tinctures. An herb:solvent weight ratio of 1:5 at 40% alcohol is suggested for a mullein tincture.
There are no known safety concerns associated with ingesting mullein leaves.
Further Reading
This article is intended as a quick-reference guide for gardeners. Consult your seed packet or seed catalog for variety-specific information.
When you have a bumper crop of mullein rolling in, you may not have enough time for long, complicated recipes or many-step preservation procedures. Check out my article on quick, simple uses for mullein here!
Mullein is featured in these Plant to Plate articles: