Growing Verbena from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Verbena is a beautiful and popular flowering plant that is easy to grow from seed. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy a vibrant display of verbena blooms in your garden.
When to Plant Verbena Seeds
The best time to plant verbena seeds is in late winter or early spring, about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. You can also sow seeds directly in the garden in late spring or early summer, once the soil has warmed and there is no longer any danger of frost.
How to Prepare the Soil
Verbena seeds need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, till the soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
How to Sow the Seeds
You can sow verbena seeds indoors or outdoors.
Indoors: Sow seeds in a seed starting mix in compartmented flats. Place a few seeds in each compartment and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and place the flats in a warm, dark place.
Outdoors: Sow seeds directly in the garden in a prepared seedbed. Space the seeds 6-8 inches apart and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and weed-free.
Germination and Care
Verbena seeds typically germinate within 20 days to a month. Once the seedlings have emerged, provide them with plenty of light and keep the soil moist.
When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, thin them out to 12 inches apart. You can transplant the thinned seedlings to other locations in the garden or discard them.
Transplanting
When the seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and the weather has warmed, you can transplant them to their permanent location in the garden. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart in full sun or partial shade.
Care and Maintenance
Verbena plants are relatively low-maintenance. Water them regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering.
Troubleshooting
Germination problems: Verbena seeds require darkness to germinate. If your seeds are not germinating, make sure they are covered with soil and placed in a dark location.
Leggy seedlings: Seedlings that are too leggy are not getting enough light. Move them to a brighter location or provide supplemental lighting.
Pests and diseases: Verbena plants are susceptible to few pests and diseases. However, they can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Harvesting Seeds
You can save verbena seeds from your own plants at the end of the season. Allow the flowers to go to seed and then collect the ripe seed heads. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them the following spring.
