Verbascum nigrum

Germination

Sow direct in autumn, ideally Sept-Oct, approx. 2 months before 1st frost. Can be sown directly from June when germination will be rapid, ensure earlier sowings are not allowed to dry out. Sow thinly into prepared soil. Once germinated thin to 45cm spacing. Can be sown indoors Feb-Mar. Surface sow into deep pots or root trainers filled with moist well-drained seed compost. Allow 3cm between seeds. Just cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep moist. Propagate 15-18°C. Germination takes 2-4 weeks. After germination reduce moisture allowing soil to dry out a little. When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 60cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers full sun in a moist well-drained soil. Offer mulch protection during winter. Fertilise if desired, but this may cause leaf growth at the expense of flower growth.

Cultivation

To encourage repeat blooming remove the central flower stalk after initial flowering. Cut just above where the side shoots are forming with a sharp knife. Will self-seed.