Verbena Mix

🌡️ 1. Cold Stratification (For Some Varieties)

Some verbena mix seeds, especially Verbena bonariensis, benefit from a short cold period.

• How: Place seeds in a plastic bag with moist vermiculite or sand.

• Refrigerate for 2 weeks before planting.

Skip this step if the seed packet doesn’t call for it.

🌱 2. Sowing Indoors

• When: Start seeds 8–10 weeks before your last frost date.

• Soil: Use a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix.

• Containers: Fill trays or pots with the moistened mix.

🌞 3. Planting Seeds

• Depth: Lightly press seeds onto the soil surface. Do not cover — verbena needs light to germinate.

• Spacing: Space seeds at least 1/2 inch apart in trays.

• Water: Mist or bottom-water to avoid disturbing the seeds.

🌡️ 4. Germination Conditions

• Light: Bright light or place under grow lights.

• Temperature: Keep at 70–75°F (21–24°C).

• Humidity: Cover with a plastic dome or wrap to retain moisture.

• Time: Germination takes 14–28 days, sometimes longer.

🌱 5. Seedling Care

• Once sprouted, remove cover to prevent damping-off.

• Thin or transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves.

• Water when the top of the soil feels dry.

• Harden off seedlings before moving outdoors.

🌼 6. Transplanting Outdoors

• When: After all danger of frost has passed.

• Where: Full sun location with well-draining soil.

• Spacing: 10–12 inches apart for most varieties.

• Care: Water regularly until established, then reduce. Deadhead for more blooms.

📌 Tips

• Verbena from seed may bloom later than nursery plants but often produces more vigorous plants.

• Verbena bonariensis can reseed itself in favorable conditions.

• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown.