Key Facts
- Biennial forming a low rosette year one and a tall flowering spike year two
- Dense woolly leaves that are soft to the touch
- Tall central spike bears many small yellow flowers
- Self seeds freely and can naturalize in disturbed sites
- Tolerates poor dry soils and prefers good drainage
- Prefers full sun for best flowering
- Often used historically in folk herbal preparations
- Leaves and seed hairs can irritate skin or eyes for some people
Great Mullein is a woolly leaved biennial that forms a low rosette the first year and sends up a tall spike of yellow flowers in the second year. It thrives in dry, well drained sunny sites and spreads readily by seed.
Identification and description
Biennial forming a low rosette year one and a tall flowering spike year two. Dense woolly leaves are soft to the touch and a central spike bears many small yellow flowers. Mature flowering stems typically reach 3 to 7 feet tall and individual plants commonly spread about 1 to 2 feet.
Where to grow and best uses
Plant Great Mullein in full sun for the best flowering. It tolerates poor dry soils including rocky or sandy ground and prefers good drainage. Use it in sunny, dry patches, naturalized borders and disturbed sites where self seeding is acceptable.
Planting and propagation
Propagate primarily by seed. Surface sow seed in spring or autumn and leave it uncovered so light can reach the seed. Space seedlings roughly 12 to 24 inches apart to allow the basal rosette room to form and the flowering stem to develop.
Water and care
Great Mullein prefers well drained soil and tolerates drought once established. Plants perform poorly in waterlogged or compacted soil. Water sparingly after establishment and avoid heavy feeding that encourages floppy growth.
After flowering and controlling spread
Plants usually flower in their second year typically in summer months and then set abundant seed. To limit naturalizing remove flower stalks before seed matures or pull rosettes in autumn and spring. Frequent seedling removal keeps populations in check.
Safety and uses
Leaves and seed hairs can irritate skin or eyes so handle plants and seed heads with gloves and eye protection if needed. Great Mullein has a history of folk herbal use but ingestion can cause mild stomach upset in some people. Check with local poison control or an authoritative pet safety source before assuming the plant is safe for pets and children.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Great Mullein grow?
- Growth follows a biennial pattern. A low rosette forms in the first year and the flowering spike can reach several feet in the second year, with blooms in summer.
- When does Great Mullein bloom?
- Flowers appear in the second year, typically in summer months such as June through August in the Northern Hemisphere. Exact timing varies with local climate.
- Can I grow Great Mullein from seed?
- Yes. Surface sow seed in spring or autumn and keep the seedbed well drained. Seeds germinate readily on disturbed soil and plants will often self seed.
- How do I stop Great Mullein from spreading?
- Remove flower stalks before seed matures, pull seedlings and rosettes, and clean up seed heads. Regular removal prevents the seed bank from building up.
- Is Great Mullein safe for pets?
- Leaf and seed hairs can irritate and ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Verify species specific toxicity with local poison control or an authoritative pet safety source.
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