Planting Instructions for Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)

(USA — Native wildflower)

General Information

• Sunlight: Full sun — 6–10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Soil: Sandy, loamy, or rocky soils; well-drained
• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic/alkaline
• Stratification: Cold stratification recommended — 30 days
• Scarification: Not needed
• Planting Depth: Surface-sow or no deeper than 1/8 inch
• Invasiveness: Not invasive; it self-seeds lightly but does not spread aggressively.

DIRECT SOWING OUTDOORS — FALL

Planting in fall mimics nature and gives the seeds winter cold exposure.

Best Time:

• Late October–January depending on your region

Site Selection

• Choose an area with full sun
  
• Soil should be well-drained (Verbena stricta hates soggy soil)
• Ideal for prairie, meadow, pollinator gardens, borders

Soil Preparation

• Remove weeds
• Loosen top 1–2 inches of soil
• No fertilizer needed — prefers nutrient-poor soil

Planting Steps

1. Mix seeds with dry sand for even distribution (optional).
2. Surface-sow: Scatter seeds on top of the soil.
3. Press seeds in gently with your hand or a board (ensures soil contact).
4. Do NOT cover with soil—they need some light to germinate.

Watering

• After sowing, water lightly once to settle seeds.
• Let winter snow/rain handle moisture naturally.

Stratification

• Winter provides the 30-day natural cold stratification, no extra prep needed.

Maintenance

• Seedlings will emerge in late April/May as temperatures warm.
• Thin crowded seedlings to 12–18 inches apart.
• Hoary Vervain is drought-tolerant — water only during prolonged dry periods.

DIRECT SOWING OUTDOORS — SPRING

Because spring does not provide natural cold exposure, artificial stratification improves germination.

Best Time:

• April–May after danger of frost

Pre-Treatment

• Cold stratify for 30 days before sowing:
  
  Place seeds in a plastic bag with a moist (not wet) paper towel
  
  Refrigerate 30 days
  

Site Selection & Soil Prep

Same as fall planting.

Planting Steps

1. Stratified seeds → surface-sow outdoors.
2. Press seeds into soil; do not bury.
3. Water lightly.

Watering

• Keep soil lightly moist (not wet) for 2–3 weeks until germination begins
• Reduce watering once seedlings are established.

Germination Time

• 14–30 days depending on temperature

Maintenance

• Thin to 12–18 inches when 3–4 inches tall.

STARTING SEEDS INDOORS — FOR TRANSPLANTING OUTDOORS

Best Time to Start Indoors

• 8–10 weeks before last frost date
  
  (Most U.S. regions = start January–March)
  

Materials Needed

• Seed trays or small pots
  
• Sterile seed-starting mix
  
• Spray bottle
  
• Grow lights or sunny window

Pre-Treatment

• Cold stratify 30 days before sowing indoors
• No scarification is required

Indoor Planting Steps

1. Fill trays with seed-starting mix.
   
2. Surface-sow seeds (do not bury).
   
3. Mist to settle seeds.
   
4. Provide bright light 14–16 hours/day (grow lights ideal).
   
5. Maintain temperature 65–75°F.

Watering

• Keep surface lightly moist with misting.
  
• Avoid overwatering; trays must drain well.

Germination

• 14–30 days after sowing

Transplanting Outdoors

• Harden plants off for 7–10 days
  
• Transplant after frost into full sun
  
• Space 12–18 inches apart
  
• Water the first 1–2 weeks until established
  

Dark Green native somewhere within state. Lime green is native area