Mullein [Verbascum densiflorum]

The biennial mullein is a medicinal plant known since Hippocrates and is used for wounds and respiratory diseases. The impressive perennial develops majestic yellow flowers in the second year. Ideal for direct sowing, no pot cultivation, sowing in spring-summer, unsuitable for mixed cultivation, harvest the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
The mullein is a very old biennial medicinal plant that is native to southern Europe, Russia and Siberia. It was already recognized as a medicinal plant in ancient times and by Hippocrates and was used for wounds and respiratory diseases. It grows impressively and forms a ground-covering rosette of leaves in the first year. In the second year it develops the beautiful and majestic yellow inflorescences that grow up to two meters high and are visited by all kinds of insects. The species self-seeds and establishes itself permanently in suitable locations. The flowers contain a lot of mucilage and saponins and are therefore a good relaxing expectorant for colds in the form of a tea.

 General information 
Plant family: Scrophulariaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 200 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -29°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy-gravelly, loamy, humus, calcareous

pH value: 6.5 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-25 °C
Germination time: 10-85 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 1-2 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. Seeds need to be exposed to cold for 8 weeks, which can be achieved by artificial stratification in the refrigerator. Direct sowing should be treated with particular care as it may dry out or be carried away by small animals such as ants. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Mullein ideally prefers a soil that is slightly dry, permeable, sandy to slightly gravelly, contains loam and some humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil and mixed planting are sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Verbascum densiflorum
English names: Mullein
German names: Königskerze, Wollkraut, Fackelblume
Portuguese names: Verbasco
Spanish names: Gordolobo
French names: Molène

 Origin 
Country: Germany