All About Verbena Seeds: Harvesting, Storage, and Growing
Verbena is a popular annual flower that is easy to grow from seed. The seeds are tiny and black, and they are produced in small pods. If you want to collect verbena seeds, it is important to know when to harvest them and how to store them properly.
When to Harvest Verbena Seeds
The best time to harvest verbena seeds is after the flowers have faded and the seed pods have turned brown and dry. If you harvest the seeds too early, they will not be mature and will not germinate well. If you wait too long, the pods will burst open and the seeds will be lost.
To check if the seeds are ripe, gently squeeze a seed pod. If the seeds are mature, they will be hard and black. If the seeds are not ripe, they will be soft and green.
How to Collect Verbena Seeds
Once the seed pods are ripe, you can collect the seeds by cutting off the pods and placing them in a paper bag. Allow the pods to dry in the bag for a few days before extracting the seeds.
To extract the seeds, crack open the pods and remove the seeds. You can then store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.
How to Store Verbena Seeds
Verbena seeds can be stored for up to two years. However, it is important to store them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from losing their viability. You can store the seeds in a paper envelope or a sealed plastic bag.
How to Grow Verbena from Seed
Verbena seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the spring after the last frost. You can also start the seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost.
To sow the seeds directly in the garden, simply scatter them on the surface of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. To start the seeds indoors, sow them in a seed tray filled with a seed starting mix. Keep the seeds moist and warm, and they will germinate in 14 to 90 days.
Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can transplant them into the garden. Space the seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart.
Tips for Growing Verbena from Seed
- Verbena seeds need full sun to germinate.
- The soil should be well-drained and fertile.
- Water the seeds regularly, but do not overwater them.
- Fertilize the seedlings every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pinch back the tips of the seedlings to encourage bushier growth.
Companion Plants for Verbena
Verbena is a good companion plant for other annuals, such as zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers. It is also a good companion plant for vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
Verbena Care Guide
Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, it is important to water the plants regularly during hot, dry weather.
Verbena is also susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. The most common diseases are powdery mildew and botrytis.
To prevent pests and diseases, it is important to keep the plants healthy and vigorous. Water the plants regularly, fertilize them every two weeks, and remove any dead or diseased leaves.
