Growing Mullein

As you know, I'm fascinated with growing less common AND useful plants.  

This is one of the 70-something herbs I've got going on in my little kitchen garden here in the high country of Prescott, Arizona.

And, while you might not know this plant by name, I bet you are still familiar with it.
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​Background

Mullein 'verbascum thapsus', while not native here, is extremely common. 

It originally comes from Europe and Asia, and has been actively grown and used here since Civil War times. 

You've likely seen it growing in open or disturbed areas near roadways.  Some of the common varieties of Mullein are considered to be fairly invasive, as they reseed voraciously.  But there are many newer varieties of ornamental Mullein now that do not reseed so abundantly.  

This plant is a biennial and because of it's historic use as a treatment for lung issues, coughs, and congestion it is considered a useful herb. 

Additionally, it's large and upright form and towering flower stalks make it a very interesting addition to a kitchen or cottage garden - for structure and height.  So be sure to place it in the back of your planting beds. 

This plant likes full sun and good drainage and will need space for it's large rosettes of fuzzy leaves.

You likely wont' ever find it at any or our local nurseries, but it's quite easy to grow from seed.  Give it a try.
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Behind the scenes in my prescott garden

You can see one that's begun to send up it's flower stalk on the far left, while there's another one towards the right which shows the large, furry leaves.  These were taken in late June I believe.
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These photos are of plants I seeded last spring, and most of them topped out this year at about 5' high and almost 2 feet wide at the base.  But the first year you're just going to have fuzzy low rosettes, no flower stalk.
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The flower stalks are almost as tall as the base of the plant, and are quite narrow, but bursting with yellow blooms that attract all kinds of birds and pollinators.  The flowers will open along the stalk at different times so you'll enjoy a display for many weeks.
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After the first bloom, I cut back the flower stalks (to avoid them re-seeding willy-nilly) and am getting multi-stemmed flower stalks for a second flush now.  Here's a shot from a few minutes ago, that shows at least 6 new flower stalks emerging.  These won't be as tall as the first one, but still very bold and architectural.


You can make a simple tea from the dried leaves or flowers (let it steep in boiling water for around 12 or 15 minutes) before straining.  Before using any plants or herbs be sure to speak with your health care provider first. 

I'm so happy to have you following along on my quirky little plant explorations.  I hope you found this interesting and possibly useful.  Let me know what you think in the comments below!  It makes my day to hear from you.

Peace & contentment,
~Miriam
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