Growing Mullein Indoors: A Complete Guide

Mullein is a unique herbaceous plant with tall stalks of yellow flowers and felted wooly leaves that has been used medicinally for centuries. This hardy biennial is easy to grow both outdoors and indoors, adding visual interest and therapeutic benefits to gardens and homes. Read on to learn everything you need to know about successfully cultivating mullein indoors.

Mullein scientifically known as Verbascum thapsus, is a member of the figwort family Scrophulariaceae. This tall plant can grow over six feet high with large oblong leaves and a long spike covered in bright yellow flowers. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia but now grows wild across much of North America.

Mullein has a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Greece. Traditionally, mullein leaf infusions and extracts have been ingested or applied topically to soothe sore throats, ease coughs, and relieve congestion. Modern research has confirmed mullein’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. The leaves and flowers contain beneficial compounds like mucilage, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins.

In addition to its usefulness as an herbal remedy, mullein makes an attractive, architectural statement in the garden. Its soft rosette of leaves first year and towering flower spike the second year add unique texture and form to beds and borders. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to the nectar-rich blooms.

Choosing the Right Variety

There are over 250 species of mullein, but Verbascum thapsus is most commonly grown. When selecting seed, look for varieties ideal for growing indoors in containers. Some good options include:

• Verbascum chaixii A more compact variety with unique bi-colored purple and yellow flowers Grows 18-24 inches tall

• Verbascum olympicum: Has fuzzy silvery leaves and citron yellow blooms on short, branched stems. Grows 12-18 inches tall.

• Verbascum phoeniceum: Features dense spikes of magenta-purple flowers. Grows 24-36 inches tall.

• Verbascum ‘Southern Charm’: A hybrid cultivar that produces loads of golden orange blooms but stays under 3 feet tall.

Starting Mullein from Seed

One of the easiest ways to propagate mullein is by direct sowing seeds into containers indoors. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:

• Fill small pots or cell packs with seed starting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.

• Sprinkle 5-10 seeds on the surface of the soil in each container.

• Gently press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them completely. They need light to germinate.

• Keep the seed starting mix moist but not saturated.

• Place containers in a sunny window or under grow lights.

• Germination takes 10-21 days at 65-70°F. Thin seedlings to 1 plant per container.

• Transplant into larger pots once true leaves appear. Provide plenty of light.

Growing Conditions for Healthy Mullein

To keep your mullein houseplants thriving, optimize these key growing conditions:

Sunlight: Place pots in a south facing window where they will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

Temperature: Mullein prefers cool conditions between 60-75°F. Avoid excess heat.

Water: Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings. Never let pots stand in water.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Amend with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.

Spacing: Give each mullein plant in its own container 6-12 inches of space to grow.

Pruning: Pinch back leggy stems to promote bushier, compact growth when needed.

Pests & Disease: Mullein is quite robust, but watch for aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, or root rot.

Caring for Mullein Long-Term

With proper care, mullein houseplants can be maintained for many years. Here are some tips:

• Repot into larger containers as the plants grow. Add fresh potting mix.

• Cut back flower spikes after blooming to encourage new growth.

• Propagate by taking stem cuttings in spring or fall. Dip in rooting hormone first.

• Clean leaves regularly with a soft cloth to keep them dust-free.

• Turn pots periodically to ensure even growth towards the light source.

• Monitor for signs of pests or diseases and treat promptly if found.

• Discard plants showing decline or very woody growth and start fresh.

Harvesting and Using Mullein

The leaves, flowers, and roots of mullein can all be utilized. Harvest leaves any time they are green and vibrant. Collect flowers when they are completely open. Dig roots from 2-year old plants in fall.

Popular ways to use mullein include:

• Tea: Infuse dried leaves or flowers in hot water for a soothing beverage. Add honey if desired.

• Tincture: Steep mullein flowers in vodka or other spirits for several weeks to extract active compounds.

• Infused oil: Heat mullein flowers in olive oil to create an oil with demulcent properties for topical use.

• Syrup: Simmer mullein flowers in honeyed water to concentrate the beneficial mucilages.

• Smoking blend: Mix dried mullein leaves with other herbs for a tobacco alternative.

No matter which preparation method you choose, growing mullein at home lets you leverage its unique benefits fresh from your own indoor garden. With minimal effort, this versatile herb can become your new go-to natural remedy.