{"product_id":"mullein-seeds-verbascum-thapsus","title":"Mullein Seeds — Verbascum thapsus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Majestic Architectural Herb — Towering Spires of Yellow Blooms and Velvety Silver-Grey Foliage\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerbascum thapsus\u003c\/strong\u003e, Common Mullein, is one of the most striking and useful plants you can grow — a statuesque biennial with a long history of medicinal use that is equally at home in the herb garden, the cottage border, or a naturalistic planting. In its first year it forms a large, flat rosette of extraordinarily soft, densely felted silver-grey leaves — tactile, beautiful, and unlike almost anything else in the garden. In its second year it sends up a bold, upright flower spike that can reach 1.5–2m tall, densely clothed in small, bright yellow five-petalled flowers that open progressively up the spike over a long summer season. A plant of real presence and character, beloved by bees and other pollinators, and with a rich tradition of use as a medicinal herb across many cultures. Easy to grow and self-seeds reliably once established, ensuring a continuing supply of plants year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eExtraordinary velvety silver-grey foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e — the large, densely felted rosette leaves in the first year are among the most tactile and beautiful of any garden plant; soft as flannel and a striking silver-grey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌼 \u003cstrong\u003eTowering yellow flower spikes\u003c\/strong\u003e — bold upright spires to 1.5–2m tall, densely set with bright yellow five-petalled flowers opening progressively over a long summer season; architectural and dramatic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eLoved by bees and pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — the flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects throughout summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eRich medicinal heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in traditional herbalism across Europe and beyond; the leaves and flowers have a long history of use for respiratory support and other applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow and self-seeds freely\u003c\/strong\u003e — once established, Mullein will self-seed reliably around the garden, ensuring a continuing supply of plants with no effort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e☀️ \u003cstrong\u003eThrives in poor, dry soils\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the most drought-tolerant and unfussy plants you can grow; perfectly suited to dry banks, gravel gardens, and difficult sunny spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Verbascum thapsus in trays or direct in spring or early autumn onto moist seed-raising mix; press seeds lightly onto the surface as they need light to germinate. Transplant or thin seedlings to 60cm apart in a sunny position with well-drained, even poor soil — Mullein thrives in dry, lean conditions and dislikes rich, wet soils. Plants form a large flat rosette in the first year and send up their dramatic flower spike in the second year. Allow a few plants to set seed each season to ensure a self-sustaining colony. Mullein is well-suited to most NZ regions and is particularly effective in dry, sunny gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMedicinal Note\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMullein has a long tradition of use as a medicinal herb. The large felted leaves and flowers have historically been used in herbal preparations for respiratory support. As with all medicinal herbs, please research appropriate use and consult a qualified practitioner before use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e15 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Mullein (\u003cem\u003eVerbascum thapsus\u003c\/em\u003e), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45074255249477,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_cd81d27b-8db5-461e-a5a6-fe912814b763.png?v=1780113686","url":"https:\/\/chbotanics.co.nz\/products\/mullein-seeds-verbascum-thapsus","provider":"Chbotanics Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}