plant

Great mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Great mullein (Verbascum thapsus) — a plant, for Full sun, Low water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Waterlow to medium

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium
Nectarattracts pollinators

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceSeeds germinate in spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures are consistently above 10°C.
floweringFlowering occurs in summer, typically 3-4 months after emergence, triggered by lengthening days.
senescenceThe plant dies back to a rosette in autumn with the first hard frosts.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Accumulatespotassium, magnesium, sulfur
Soil texturesandy, loamy, gravelly
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceHigh

Propagation

Methodsseed
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationcold stratification recommended for improved germination
Self-seedingAggressive

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, moths
Can host pestsmullein bug (Campylomma verbasci)