Verbena - Key Growing Information

The tri-bloomed stalks of Verbena bonariensis serve as a classic tall, background species in the cutting garden.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

14-28 days at 60-86°F (16-30°C), cool 60ºF (16ºC) nights alternating with warm 86ºF (30ºC) days helps to break dormancy.

SOWING:

Transplant (recommended) - Sow 8-12 weeks before planting out. Cover seed lightly. Seed is slow to germinate and sensitive to excess moisture, so keep growing medium on the dry side until emergence. Direct seed only in areas with long growing seasons. Sow seeds after the last frost, barely covering seeds.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:

36-48".

PLANT SPACING:

18-24".

HARDINESS ZONES:

Zones 7-10.

HARVEST:

Fresh: Harvest when the outer 2-4 layers of flowers are open.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Tolerates most soil types.

USES:

Fresh cut flower, pollinator plantings, borders, beds, containers, and mass plantings. Typically unappetizing to deer.

NOTES:

Usually self-sows readily.


SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Verbena bonariensis

ALTERNATE NAMES:

Purple-top verbena, tall verbena, South American vervain