VERBENA HASTATA (Blue Vervain)
Seed Preparation:
• Cold stratification is required for reliable germination
• Mix seeds with moist sand or vermiculite
• Place in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 30 days at 35–40°F (1–4°C)
• After stratification, sow seeds directly or start indoors
When to Sow:
• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before last frost after stratification
• Outdoors: Sow in late fall for natural winter stratification or in early spring
Light Requirements:
• Prefers full sun
• Tolerates light shade, but flowering may be reduced
Soil Requirements:
• Grows well in moist, well-drained soil
• Tolerates wet conditions and clay soils
• Ideal for rain gardens and stream banks
• pH range: 6.0–7.5
Sowing Instructions:
• Surface sow or cover lightly with fine soil (no more than ⅛ inch)
• Press seeds gently into the soil
• Maintain soil temperature around 65–70°F (18–21°C)
• Germination occurs in 14–30 days
Watering:
• Keep soil consistently moist during germination
• Once established, tolerates periodic drought but prefers moist conditions
Spacing:
• Thin or transplant seedlings 18–24 inches apart
Growing Tips:
• Blooms from mid to late summer with tall spikes of violet-blue flowers
• Great for pollinator gardens, attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Excellent for naturalized areas, wet meadows, and wildflower gardens
• Cut back spent blooms to encourage more flowering
• Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9