Mullein (Verbascum sp.) grows well in temperate climates in Australia. It grows as a weed in high altitude granite country such as Guyra-Armidale NSW, and between Albury-Wodonga in Southern NSW. As Mullein is native to Europe, that indicates the conditions that it favours. Cooler, temperate climates of higher altitude and plenty of rain. It will however grow in other climates if propagated and cared for correctly. 

 It is interesting to think of how Mullein actually arrived in these areas. It has to be imagined that it was of such medicinal significance that the European immigrants  brought it from their homeland to ensure that they and future generations had access to it. Mullein has made quite a journey and the significance of its introduction to the pioneering agricultural areas of Australia should tell us of its medicinal value. 

POSITIONING: Mullein likes to be placed in a full sun position, but will also grow in light part shade.

ADULT MULLEIN PLANTS IN A FULL SUN POSITION, EUROPEAN LIKE CONDITIONS

MULLEIN ROSETTE'S GROWING IN A LIGHTLY SHADED POSITION

SOIL: Mullein will tolerate many soils however rich alluvial soil with organic matter will form a great plant. Mullein prefers to be deep rooted, so allow a large well drained space for the plant to grow. Great soil and ideal conditions will create a larger, more robust plant, however it is very adaptable. Mullein is extremely hardy and will literally grow out of a rock cliff face if given the chance, but the result will be a stunted small plant that goes to seed quickly.

BABY MULLEIN PLANT GROWING OUT OF A ROCK 

SOWING/PROPAGATION: In spring too early summer direct sow seeds on top of the soil. Do not cover the seeds over after sowing. Propagation by seed is ideal. Mullein does not like root disturbance so plant where you intend to keep it for best results. If initially planted in a pot be sure to replant it whilst still very young (just germinated). Mullein does not grow from cuttings. 

WATERING: Water well daily to get germination going. Do this for at least 3 weeks until you see germination occur. It needs to be watered regularly when fully established to create a large healthy plant. Give it a good drink at least once every week.

GROWING IN POTS: Ensure that if you are growing in a pot it has at least 40cms of root soil to grow in so that it is not stressed or stunted. Due to its deep roots and large rosette a large pot (50cm wide) is preferred. A good quality potting mix should be chosen. With potting medium you often get what you pay for, so don't skimp on this expense, and try to choose organic if you can.

Also ensure that it is regularly watered or even better, is in a self watering pot. The largest Mullein plants I’ve ever seen growing were near a river bed in Gloucester NSW, where there was rich brown alluvial soil and a constant water supply.

ONGOING CARE: Once germination occurs you should see a small rosette forming. This rosette will become larger and larger. Do not harvest it until the rosette reaches at least 40cms in diameter, or else you may stress your plant. You can read more about that in our blog;
HOW TO HARVEST MEDICINAL HERBS (AND NOT KILL THE PLANT!)

Continue to regularly water your plant, but it should not require much in the way of nutrition after initial establishment. If the plant is not growing to a harvestable size, add a small amount of organic fertiliser such as blood and bone or dynamic lifter.

COLD: Mullein plants need protection from frost and die out when it becomes too cold. In a temperate climate if you have one a pot and can move it inside or can shelter it it may survive. If you live in a subtropical climate where you are not effected by frost/extreme cold the plant should survive.

FLOWERING: You may find your Mullein plant forms a long spike in the centre and yellow flowers form. This means that the plant is going to seed. The yellow flowers are amazingly medicinal and can be used to create ear-ache oils and soothing medicinal honey. You can read more about how to do this in the blog:
 HOW TO USE MULLEIN FLOWERS TO CREATE MEDICINE!

FLOWERING MULLEIN PLANT - PERFECT TIME FOR HARVESTING FLOWERS

COLLECTING SEEDS: Once the flowers have died off there will be a rather unsightly dead looking spike on top of the dying plant. Ensure that you allow the spike to go completely brown as it is still forming the seeds within the seed pods as it is dying. Inside each seed pod is hundreds of miniscule seeds.

 
DEAD MULLEIN PLANT WITH INTACT SEED HEAD - SEED HARVESTING STAGE

Once the seedpod spike looks like is dying off, keep an eye the plant to see the seedpods open. As the seed pods open, place an old pillow case over the spike and remove it. 

Then bash it around inside the pillow case and see how many seeds you can get. These seeds are to be saved for next years sowing and Mullein crop. Please ensure that you share your abundance with any green thumbed friends, neighbours and family that may find it of use.

To purchase organically grown Mullein seed click the link:

 

Kind regards,