Mullein - My Golden Herbal Garden

Botanical Name: Verbascum densiflorum

Benefits & Uses of Mullein: Allergy, Asthma, Congestion, Cough, Ear Ache, Lungs, Respiratory

Parts used of Mullein: Flower Heads, Roots, Leaves

Parts Best used: Dried or Fresh

Ways to Prepare Mullein: Infused Oil, Infusion, Poultice, Syrup, Tea, Tincture

Bodycare Uses: Salve

Culinary Uses: Nothing that I'm aware of

Growing
Mullein

Plant Type:
Biennial

Sprouts in:
14-21 days

Sun Exposure:
Full Sun

Plant Zone:
4-8

Ideal Temperature:
70-80°F

Soil Ph:
Alkaline

Planting Depth:
Surface Sow

Planting Space:
18-24"

Plant Height:
2-7'

When To Plant:
6-8 weeks before last frost

Bee Pollinator

Container Friendly

Start Seeds Indoors

Deer Resistant

Pest Repellant

Plant Maintenance: Low

Drought Tolerant

Frost Hardy: Mullein are Freeze Tolerant (Vegetables that can endure freezing temperatures between 26°F and 28°F. They are the champions of cold resilience.)

When to plant outdoors: Once danger of frost has passed

Easiest To Grow From: Seed

Common Pests: Mullein is generally resilient against major pests. In warmer regions, spider mites can pose a threat to the plants, and caterpillars might be seen consuming the foliage.

Common Problems: Generally resilient against diseases, although they may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot or root rot.

Growing Tips: It is best to plant mullein seeds directly into the soil as the plant develops a deep taproot and prefers minimal disturbance once established in a specific location.

Fertilizing: Feed with a slow release 10-10-10 fertilizer.

Seeds & Companion Plants

Ease of Growing from Seed: Fairly easy once seed sprouts

Seeds can be saved. How To Save Seeds: The flower stalk will grow in the second year. Let the flower stalk turn brown and dry before saving the tiny seeds. Here's a great video by Humble Servants Homestead

Planting Herb Companions:
Dill Basil Dandelion Yarrow Echinacea

Harvesting & Preserving

Pruning Tips: During the summer season, Mullein can bloom continuously for approximately six weeks. To maintain the blooming cycle, deadhead the faded flowers.

When to Harvest: Harvest the roots in the initial autumn or subsequent spring. Leaves can be manually removed at any point in the growing season. Collect flowers when they are fully bloomed, and trim the top 3-6 inches of the flower stalk.

Harvesting Tips: Check your mullein every day or two while they are in bloom, as only a small number of flowers bloom on the stalk each day. Leave some flowers for the bees, as well as to ensure that the plants can reseed for the following year! Select the most vibrant and best looking leaves, discarding any that show signs of yellowing, browning, or drying out. Take the time to carefully inspect and discard any bugs before bringing them in your house.

**When foraging for wild herbs, be sure to pay attention to where you are getting it from. Be cautious about harvesting plants grown in potentially contaminated areas like roadsides, driveways, unfamiliar terrain, and areas that may have been sprayed with herbicides.