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Sixteen Candles Mullein on a white background.
A close-up view of Sixteen Candles Mullein flowers in a white dish surrounded by stems and foliage.
Sixteen Candles Mullein arranged in a glass vase on a white background.
An overhead view of yellow Sixteen Candles Mullein flowers in a small dish with leaves and flowered stems.
Sixteen Candles Mullein tall thin flowered stems are lined up in a row on light background.
Sixteen Candles Mullein plants are blooming in the outside gardens at Baker Creek.
Sixteen Candles Mullein on a white background.
A close-up view of Sixteen Candles Mullein flowers in a white dish surrounded by stems and foliage.
Sixteen Candles Mullein arranged in a glass vase on a white background.
An overhead view of yellow Sixteen Candles Mullein flowers in a small dish with leaves and flowered stems.
Sixteen Candles Mullein tall thin flowered stems are lined up in a row on light background.
Sixteen Candles Mullein plants are blooming in the outside gardens at Baker Creek.

Mullein Seeds,
Sixteen Candles

SKU: #HB368
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Min. 100 seeds

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Description

Zones 5-8 The mullein we've been wishing for! Sixteen Candles bears bright yellow flowers with contrasting violet stamens on 2- to 3-foot-tall  spires. Mullein is a low-maintenance, deer- and drought-resistant plant that naturalizes easily in the garden. At season's end, leave some flower spikes in the garden and it will reseed. Mullein tolerates poor, rocky soil. 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Verbascum chaixii
Life Cycle
Perennial
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
120
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
20–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sixteen Candles sprouts in 7 to 14 days from a surface sowing held at 70 to 80°F; the seed is tiny and light aids germination, so press it into place instead of burying it. Sow in spring, or start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date and set the seedlings 20 to 24 inches apart. Days to maturity for the bright yellow spires is about 120.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • Direct sow seeds in fall/winter or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date.
  • Surface sow seeds (they are very, very tiny) as light aids germination.
  • When sowing outdoors, you can lightly cover them.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70-80 F.

How to Grow

  • Prefers well-drained soil, although mullein is tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including poor soil.
  • Drought tolerant.
  • Provide full sun to part shade.
  • Space plants at least 18-24 inches apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • A pest-free plant.
  • It is not typically considered invasive, but if you are concerned about potential invasiveness, ask your local extension agent for more information specific to your region.

How to Save Seeds

  • This biennial will send up a flower stalk in the second year.
  • Allow flower stalk to turn brown and dry before saving the tiny seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

FAQ

What makes Sixteen Candles distinct from other mulleins?

It bears bright yellow flowers with contrasting violet stamens on 2- to 3-foot-tall spires, and it is a perennial for zones 5 to 8.

Will Sixteen Candles reseed, and can I save the seed?

Yes. Leave some flower spikes standing at season's end and it will reseed and naturalize in the garden. To save seed, let the flower stalk turn brown and dry before collecting the tiny seeds, then store them in a cool, dark, dry place.

What kind of soil does Sixteen Candles need?

It tolerates poor, rocky soil and prefers a well-drained site in full sun. This is a low-maintenance, drought-resistant plant; space it 20 to 24 inches apart.

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