VERBENA

Other Name: vervain

Period/Seasonal Colour: warmer climates cheerful color

Height: 8-12 inches tall and spreads beautifully in hanging baskets.

Where To Plant: Place the seed tray somewhere warm and sunny that maintains an average temperature of 65 to 70 F and where it won’t be disturbed by children or pets.

When To Plant: Planting verbena in indoor

How To Plant: Start indoors in late winter by placing two seeds in peat or fiber pots. Cover very lightly with soil. Water taking care not to make the soil too wet and be prepared to wait about a month for the seeds to show any signs of life. Once the plants have three or four leaves, they can be hardened for outdoor use.

Added Benefits: Plant verbena in full sun in areas of the garden or yard that have good drainage. The plants, which should be spaced 10 to 12 inches apart, require eight to 10 hours of sunlight a day and they do not like soil that is on the dry side.

Tips: Verbena plants do not require a lot of attention. Once established, water the plants only when they dry out. Fertilize once in the spring of the year after they have been planted and established outdoors. Deadhead the faded blooms so that blooming continues long into the gardening season