When it comes to indoor gardening, many beginners gravitate toward herbs and small plants due to their simplicity and utility. One such herb that should be on every indoor gardener’s list is Mullein. This ancient medicinal herb not only boasts a stunning appearance but also offers a plethora of benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of growing Mullein indoors.
Can You Grow Mullein Indoors?
Absolutely! While Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is typically found in the wild, it can thrive indoors as well. This herb’s adaptability to different growing conditions makes it a perfect addition to your indoor garden.
Can You Grow Mullein in a Pot?
Yes, you can grow Mullein in a pot. In fact, it’s a practical choice for indoor gardening, allowing you to control the plant’s environment and ensure it doesn’t overtake your garden. Choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and provides good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
How to Grow Mullein from a Seed
What You’ll Need:
- Mullein seeds
- A well-draining pot or container
- Potting soil
- Sunlight or grow lights
Step-by-Step:
- Fill your pot with well-draining potting soil. Moisten the soil slightly.
- Plant the Mullein seeds on the soil’s surface, but don’t bury them. Gently press them down.
- Place the pot in a sunny window or under grow lights. Mullein loves sunlight and requires at least 6-8 hours a day.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can use a spray bottle to mist the soil’s surface.
How to Grow Mullein from Cuttings
Growing Mullein from cuttings is less common but still doable.
What You’ll Need:
- A healthy Mullein plant
- Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
- A well-draining pot
- Potting soil
Step-by-Step:
- Take a 3-4 inch cutting from a healthy Mullein plant, making the cut just below a leaf node (where leaves meet the stem).
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining potting soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist and place it in a sunny location.
What a Mullein Plant Looks Like
Mullein is a unique and easily recognizable plant. It produces a rosette of large, soft, velvety leaves in its first year, which can reach 2 feet in length. In the second year, it sends up a tall flower spike, which can grow up to 6 feet or more. The flowers are small, yellow, and densely packed on the spike, creating a striking appearance.
How Long It Takes to Grow Mullein Indoors
Mullein is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its lifecycle in two years. In its first year, it primarily develops leaves and roots, and in the second year, it flowers and produces seeds. You can typically expect your indoor Mullein to flower in its second year, so patience is required. However, the large, velvety leaves in the first year make it a beautiful and useful addition to your indoor garden.
Benefits of Growing Mullein
Mullein is not just a pretty face in your garden; it’s a treasure trove of herbal benefits. Here are a few:
- Respiratory Health: Mullein leaves have been used for centuries to make soothing herbal remedies for coughs and respiratory issues.
- Anti-Inflammatory: The leaves and flowers of Mullein contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ear Health: Mullein oil is often used to alleviate earaches and ear infections.
- Skin Care: Topical Mullein preparations can help with various skin conditions and promote skin health.
- Tea: Mullein tea is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy its medicinal properties. It’s easy to make by steeping the dried leaves and flowers in hot water.
Growing Mullein indoors is a rewarding experience for beginner gardeners. With a little care, you can enjoy the stunning appearance and numerous benefits of this versatile herb right in your own home. Whether you’re cultivating it for its herbal remedies or simply for its aesthetic appeal, Mullein is a fantastic addition to any indoor garden. Happy growing!
Come Check Out My Pinterest!!
Besides talking about the epic Mullein plant, I grow my own indoor herb garden and research the best methods to assist beginner gardeners in learning about and growing their own indoor herb gardens. I enjoy teaching people about how to successfully grow herbs indoors and share tips and tricks that I have learned from my own experiences. I also enjoy the challenge of growing new herbs and experimenting with different methods to see what works best. After all, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of watching your plants grow — except maybe eating the food you grew yourself!
