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Common mullein is not a particularly thirsty plant and it has average water requirements, although it needs more water in its first season of growth. A simple guide to watering is to regularly check the surrounding soil and water to ensure that it remains constantly moist.

Fertilization

Common mullein should be lightly fertilized at the start of the growing season, as soon as new growth begins. A slow-release fertilizer will ensure the plant receives consistent nutrition. Take care to ensure that it is applied to the soil and not directly to the plant.

Soil

Chalky, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

Mints plantains olives and allies

4 to 10

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Common mullein

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

4 to 10

Planting Time

Spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter

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Questions About Common mullein

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Common mullein?

When watering the Common mullein, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Common mullein comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.

What should I do if I water my Common mullein too much or too little?

Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Common mullein, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Common mullein, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Common mullein have become brittle and brown.

It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Common mullein. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Common mullein grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Common mullein is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.

How often should I water my Common mullein?

If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Common mullein needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.

If you grow your Common mullein outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Common mullein can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.

How much water does my Common mullein need?

When it comes time to water your Common mullein, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.

How should I water my Common mullein at different growth stages?

The water needs of the Common mullein can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Common mullein is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Common mullein will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Common mullein will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Common mullein more water at this time.

How should I water my Common mullein through the seasons?

The Common mullein will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Common mullein will contract a disease.

What's the difference between watering my Common mullein indoors and outdoors?

It is most common to grow the Common mullein indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Common mullein to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Common mullein very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.

When should I prune my Common mullein?

You can prune your Common mullein any time you notice dead, diseased, or damaged leaves during the growing season. Once you notice such a leave, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. You can cut its stem just above the soil’s surface to remove it. Such pruning can take place as needed during spring and summer. Also, this plant can bloom any time between spring and fall, and some gardeners choose to remove flower buds before they have a chance to open. Removing unopened flower buds allows this plant to focus most of its growing energy on its beautiful leaves. However, pruning in this manner does not necessarily influence the plant’s overall health. Cutting back should be done late in the winter to early spring. Ideally, you should wait until you see new basal growth before you cut off the dead and dried winter parts, to about 6 inches from the ground.

How can I prune my Common mullein?

Pruning the Common mullein is as easy as waiting until you notice dead or damaged leaves on your plant. When you recognize these leaves, equip yourself with a pair of sharp and sterile hand pruning shears. Hand pruning shears will work best as larger tools like loppers will not be well suited to the precise cuts you need to make. Once you have a proper set of pruning tools, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Cut the stem just above where it exits the soil to remove it entirely. If you wish to stop this plant from flowering, you can use the same pruning shears to remove any buds before they open. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head. Cutting back should be done late in the winter to early spring. Ideally, you should wait until you see new basal growth before you cut off the dead and dried winter parts to about 6 inches from the ground.

What should I do after pruning my Common mullein?

All that is required of you once you have pruned your Common mullein is to clean up. Once you have pruned, deadheaded, or cut back your Common mullein, gather the bits you have cut off and discard them. If there are any diseased parts of the plant that you have pruned away, do not discard them with the rest of the pruned pieces. Diseased foliage should be disposed of. When watering after pruning, be careful not to touch the wound to prevent fungus from infecting the plant through the fresh wound. Placing Common mullein in a well-ventilated location will also help the wound to dry out and heal in time.

Are there any tips for pruning my Common mullein?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. As you are pruning your Common mullein, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetricaly. It is recommended that gloves and safety glasses be worn while pruning Common mullein.

Are there any instructions for pruning my Common mullein?

Pruning is an important part of plant care and maintenance. Different plants have different pruning requirements. Some plants may need little to no pruning, while others may require more specific attention. Most plants should be pruned to remove damaged or unhealthy foliage. Other plants may be pruned to control their shape and size. Pruning may even be done to remove the flower heads of plants and stop them from self-seeding. Although some gardeners may find pruning a tedious task, it is a necessary evil and is an essential part of keeping your plants happy and healthy.

How much sunlight should Common mullein get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Common mullein needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

What type of sunlight does Common mullein need?

The Common mullein grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months.

They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Common mullein is always exposed to the sun.

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Common mullein from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Common mullein can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter.

If the Common mullein is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers.

It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Common mullein is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

Should I protect Common mullein from sun exposure?

The Common mullein does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall.

Growing the Common mullein in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Common mullein gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Common mullein does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade.

Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones.

The Common mullein indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Common mullein need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Common mullein is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Common mullein need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Common mullein needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Common mullein is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Common mullein?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Common mullein to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Make sure that the Common mullein receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

What is the optimal temperature for Common mullein?

The best temperature for Common mullein depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Common mullein has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Common mullein may be able to survive with some help.

During the warmer parts of the year, Common mullein will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Common mullein. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Common mullein to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Common mullein

If this is the first year of your Common mullein outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Common mullein, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Common mullein inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage.

It’s also a good idea to plant Common mullein in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Common mullein should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.

How can I protect Common mullein from extreme temperatures?

If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Common mullein from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Common mullein in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Common mullein is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind.

For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Common mullein to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Common mullein

During the cold winter months, Common mullein needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Common mullein, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine.

An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Common mullein. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Common mullein will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.

Why do I need to fertilize my Common mullein?

Nitrogen and potassium are needed to fuel rapid foliage growth—Common mullein are known for their colorful, leafy foliage—and root development to anchor them into the soil. Nitrogen also promotes taller, fuller plants.

When is the best time to fertilize my Common mullein?

Common mullein are classified as heavy feeders that require lots of nutrients because of their fast growth, large leaves, and high water content. They need fertilizer throughout the growing season (from germination until senescence), or you will see deficiency symptoms appear, and the plant's growth will be affected.

It was once thought that when Common mullein began to turn colors in the fall, their nutrient needs dropped considerably, and you could reduce or stop fertilizer applications. Research has proven that small amounts of nitrogen fertilizer are beneficial after maturity—it won’t affect coloration significantly and will keep the bottom leaves from turning yellow and dropping off.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common mullein?

At times, fertilizer can be harmful to Common mullein instead of helpful, especially if the plant is stressed for another reason.

Avoid fertilizing if Common mullein is struggling with diseases (leaf spot, black rot, or blackleg) or insect problems like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. The addition of fertilizer will further weaken the plant's defenses, making it more vulnerable to other pest problems or disease infections.

Avoid fertilizing when the soil surface has hardened or become too dry. In this instance, plants are at a greater risk of fertilizer burn on their roots. Water the potting soil to get it slightly moist, and then fertilize.

What type of fertilizer does my Common mullein need?

Fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, along with other essential nutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc. These are all necessary elements that promote growth in Common mullein.

A balanced fertilizer works well for Common mullein, for example an all-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK number. For natural fertilizers, blood meal or worm castings work well. You may also choose a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen than other nutrients, such as fish fertilizer. Nitrogen provides support to leaves, which are the main feature that people want from Common mullein. There is no point in providing a lot of supplements for flowers or seeds if that is not your purpose in growing the plant.

How do I fertilize my Common mullein?

If you are growing container plants, and your potting soil has slow-release fertilizer in it, you don't need to fertilize the seeds when planting. This initial fertilizer, coupled with the nutrient reserves in the seed’s endosperm, is enough for the first couple of weeks. If your potting soil doesn't have fertilizer, mix a small amount of a slow-release starter fertilizer into the potting mix before filling containers.

When plants are about four weeks old, start fertilizing them every two weeks at one-third to one-half the recommended rate listed on the product label. Continue this schedule until Common mullein reaches full maturity.

At that point, you can reduce fertilization to once every three to four weeks at the same diluted strength or fertilize at one-quarter of the recommended rate every two weeks.

What happens if I fertilize my Common mullein too much?

Fertilizers contain salts, and when overapplied, these salts can draw moisture out of the plants, causing fertilizer burn. Common signs of fertilizer burn include browning of leaf edges or leaf scorch—they look like they’ve been burned.

If you suspect you have overfertilized your Common mullein, acting quickly is essential. You can’t repair fertilizer damage, but you must remove excess fertilizer to prevent further problems.

Remove any visible fertilizer on the potting soil surface, and spray the foliage to wash off any residue. Prune off leaves showing fertilizer burn, and flush the pots with plenty of clean water to push the excess fertilizer (and its salts) out of the root zone. You can also repot your plants into fresh potting soil.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common mullein based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Wilting after blooming

Flowers may wither for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: Check the soil or potting medium. Coarse textures can allow water to drain too rapidly, preventing the plant from taking up enough. If the soil and roots seem very dry, add sphagnum moss or other mediums that hold water. Water according to recommendations for each plant's species. Low humidity can be corrected by misting the plant regularly or placing it near a humidifier. Keeping it near other plants helps, too. Keep the environment consistent in terms of temperature, humidity, and lighting. Keep it away from vents, heaters, and air conditioners, and avoid moving it to locations where it will experience a temperature shock. Hot, dry heat, and cold drafts are problematic for many plants. Especially if the plant is outside, it could be experiencing heat or light stress. Try moving it to a shadier location.

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

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Weed Control

Weeds

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) can be found in the Americas, Australia, and other non-native temperate regions as an introduced species. Common mullein usually spreads on degraded land and although it doesn't grow in great densities, it can overshadow native plants. Although it is easy to remove by hand or tilling and it doesn't compete with crops, common mullein is still considered an invasive weed because it is a prolific producer of long-living seeds. Also, it can spread in degraded and poor pastures and become dominant over time as cattle and sheep avoid grazing it.

How to Control it

Common mullein can be easily uprooted manually. It’s best to do this during the first year, before the plants produce seeds, in order to prevent their further spread. Hand-pulling needs to be done repeatedly, especially with established colonies, as common mullein forms persistent soil seed banks. It is also a good practice to plant competitive native species in the area, as they can outcompete the seedlings and create unfavorable conditions for germination.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Uncultivated fields, waste ground

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Flower Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Gray

Silver

Name story

Common mullein

It is often called common mullein, where mullein originates from the latin word "mollis" meaning "soft". Generally, it is used to describe the fluffiness and softness of its leaves, which give a delicate sensation, bringing about the name common mullein.

Beggar's blanket

It has a lesser-known utility in which its leaves can help keep shoes and clothes warm when the leaves are kept inside them during winter. Thus, it is called beggar's blanket.

Symbolism

Toughness, courage, protection, health

Usages

Garden Use

Common mullein is a commonly used border plant thanks to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is a successful self-seeder, and can tolerate a range of conditions so long as it has well-draining soils. Even without its bright yellow flowers, the wooly grey-green foliage is an interesting addition to the garden.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Figwort

Genus

Mullein

Species

Common mullein

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Add to My Garden

Common mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter

Planting Time

Weeds

Care Guide for Common mullein

Water

Fertilization

Soil

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

4 to 10

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Questions About Common mullein

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Common mullein?

What should I do if I water my Common mullein too much or too little?

How often should I water my Common mullein?

How much water does my Common mullein need?

How should I water my Common mullein at different growth stages?

How should I water my Common mullein through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Common mullein indoors and outdoors?

When should I prune my Common mullein?

How can I prune my Common mullein?

What should I do after pruning my Common mullein?

Are there any tips for pruning my Common mullein?

Are there any instructions for pruning my Common mullein?

How much sunlight should Common mullein get per day to grow healthily?

What type of sunlight does Common mullein need?

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Common mullein from sun and heat damage?

Should I protect Common mullein from sun exposure?

What will happen if Common mullein gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Common mullein need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Common mullein need for photosynthesis?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Common mullein?

What is the optimal temperature for Common mullein?

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Common mullein

How can I protect Common mullein from extreme temperatures?

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Common mullein

Why do I need to fertilize my Common mullein?

When is the best time to fertilize my Common mullein?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common mullein?

What type of fertilizer does my Common mullein need?

How do I fertilize my Common mullein?

What happens if I fertilize my Common mullein too much?

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common mullein based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

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Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

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Wilting after blooming

Flowers may wither for a variety of reasons.

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Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

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Weed Control

Weeds

How to Control it

Do you have weeds in your garden?

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Uncultivated fields, waste ground

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Flower Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Gray

Silver

Name story

Common mullein

Beggar's blanket

It has a lesser-known utility in which its leaves can help keep shoes and clothes warm when the leaves are kept inside them during winter. Thus, it is called beggar's blanket.

Symbolism

Toughness, courage, protection, health

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Figwort

Genus

Mullein

Species

Common mullein

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Alternanthera brasiliana

# Useful Tips