Verbena plants are known for their beautiful, colorful blooms that add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. These hardy plants are easy to grow, but getting started with verbena seeds can be a bit intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to storing, sowing, and germinating verbena plant seeds, so you can start growing these beautiful plants with confidence.
If you’re planning to grow verbena plants from seed, it’s important to store your seeds properly to ensure they remain viable until you’re ready to sow them. Here’s how:
Collect your seeds: Wait for the flowers on your verbena plant to dry out and develop small, brown seedpods. Once the pods have dried out, remove them from the plant and break them open to reveal the tiny black seeds inside.
Dry your seeds: Spread your verbena seeds out on a paper towel or a piece of newspaper and allow them to dry completely for several days. This will help prevent mold or mildew from developing during storage.
Store your seeds: Once your seeds are completely dry, transfer them to an airtight container such as a small plastic bag or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store your seeds in a cool and dry location, such as a pantry or refrigerator.
Properly stored verbena plant seeds can remain viable for up to three years.
When it comes time to sow your verbena plant seeds, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure successful germination.
Choose the right time: Verbena seeds should be sown in the spring after the last frost date in your area. If you’re unsure when the last frost will occur, check with your local gardening center or consult a gardening calendar.
Prepare your soil: Verbena plants prefer well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Sow your seeds: Scatter your verbena seeds over the prepared soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water gently to settle the seeds in place.
Provide proper care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide plenty of sunlight for your verbena seedlings to grow strong and healthy.
Verbena plant seeds usually germinate within 14 to 21 days if conditions are right. Here are a few tips to help ensure successful germination:
Keep the soil moist: Verbena seeds need consistent moisture to germinate properly. Water gently and regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Provide warmth: Verbena seeds prefer warm temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination. If your home is cooler than this, consider using a heating pad or grow light to provide additional warmth.
Be patient: Verbena plant seeds can take up to three weeks to germinate, so be patient and don’t give up too soon!
By following these tips, you should be able to successfully germinate and grow beautiful verbena plants from seed.
A: Yes, you can germinate verbena seeds indoors if you provide proper warmth and light. However, it’s important to transplant seedlings outdoors once they’re large enough to handle, as verbena plants prefer to grow in full sunlight.
A: Yes, you can save verbena plant seeds from year to year as long as you store them properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry location.
A: Water your verbena seedlings regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and adjust your watering schedule as needed based on the weather conditions in your area.
A: Verbena plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost by applying a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilization.