Greater Mullein ( Verbascum thapsus ) is a biennial herb that is easy to grow, is drought and frost tolerant and has a great reputation for its medicinal properties. The small, yellow flowers that bloom during summer are great for attracting insects and its leaves can be smoked, used in herbal teas or applied in poultices for skin conditions.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as Mullein is a popular herb and has been used for centuries to treat asthma, athlete’s foot, eczema, colic, earaches, rashes, skin infections, lung problems, boils, warts, sunburn, colds, haemorrhoids, frostbite as well as many other respiratory and pulmonary issues. Mullein is used in teas, tinctures, and essential oils while the leaves can be smoked to assist with lung problems or as a substitute for tobacco.
Mullein is also known as Common Mullein, Candlewick Plant, Velvet Plant, Blanket Leaf, Aaron’s Rod, Jacob’s Staff, and Old Man’s Flannel.
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Growth
Verbascum thapsus is a biennial or short-lived perennial flowering plant that grows to a maximum height of around 2 metres (7 feet) and spreads no wider than 1 metre (3 feet). In their first year, Mullein produces a rosette of leaves that reach up 50cm (20 inches) long. During the second year the plants normally grow a single, unbranched stem that are furnished with a dense spike of yellow flowers.
The leaves are thick and decurrent, with wild variations between the upper and lower leaves that adorn the stems. These can reach 50cm (20 inches) long and up to 14cm (6 inches) wide. After flowering, the stems and fruits can often persist through winter where Mullein’s hardiness can tolerate as low as -25°C /-13°F.
Mullein tolerates poor soils, prefers full sun and should be grown in places that can protect the plant from strong winds. They can become invasive, especially after fires and are considered a noxious weed in the states of Colorado and Hawaii in the United States and in parts of Victoria, Australia.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Scrophulariaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15 to 30°C / -13 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Low nutrient soil is preferred.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 2 metres (7 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial or short-lived Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Drought tolerant
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees, birds & other insects but can self-pollinate.
MATURITY:
12-24 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
85-95%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Reasonably Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 14000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT VERBASCUM THAPSUS (Greater Mullein)
Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides first recommended Mullein 2000 years ago as a treatment for pulmonary diseases.
The Native American tribes smoked the leaves to treat lung ailments and the Zuni made poultices from the roots to help with sores and skin infections.
Roman soldiers are said to have dipped the plants stems in grease and used them as torches, while colonial Americans used to line their shoes with the leaves to help keep out the cold.
Each flower is open only for a single day, opening before dawn and closing in the afternoon.
