Echinacea paradoxa requires a cold stratification.

Actually, if you put the latin name along with something like "germination" into a google search, Old Dr. Google should give you all sorts of information and opinions on starting these seeds - and probably mature plant sizes and growing conditions as well.

FataMorgana

Lol. I never even thought about that! Thanks for the suggestion. :)

Abby

Hmmm... when looking up Common Mullein, the only info I can find is that its an unwanted and invasive weed that chokes out native vegetation. Wish I knew that before I ordered it. O_o

Mullein is quite useful for herbal remedies. Plus I've never seen mullein so thick that it choked anything out but maybe some growing conditions are quite different than what I have allow that.

Anyways, with enough harvesting and/or dead-heading of plants before going to seed, you can control the "invasiveness" of many plants. I personally like the dramatic and unusual look of mullein along with it's medicinal uses. I wouldn't be sorry at all to have this one.

FataMorgana

Well, now that I think about it, there's really nothing to choke out in my yard. Unless you count dandelions, which take over the entire yard in summer. I still plan on planting and harvesting it for medicinal purposes. FataMorgana, what do you use your Mullein for? If I remember correctly, Horizon Herbs says it can be used for a variety of ailments.

Abby

The naturopathic doctor I harvest botanicals for likes to tincture it and use it in herbal formulas for sinus and respiratory ailments. That's what I would use it for as well.

I really like Peterson's Field Guide - Medicinal Plants and Herbs (Eastern/Central) by Foster and Duke. It's a great read and a wonderful guide to tell you what all those weeds in your lawn are good for. The uses they list for mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is:

Traditionally, leaf and flower tea expectorant, demulcent, antispasmodic, diuretic, for chest colds, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, kidney infections, leaves poulticed for ulcers, tumors, piles, flowers soaked in olive or mineral oil are used as earache drops. In Europe, flowers are preferred over leaves; both are used in European cough remedies. Leaves high in mucilage, soothing to inflamed mucous membranes; experimentally, strongly anti-inflammatory. Science confirms mild expectorant and anti-viral activity against herpes simplex and influenza viruses. Contains verbascoside, which has antiseptic, antitumor, antibacterial, and immunosuppressant activity. In Germany the flowers are apporoved as an expectorant in inflammations of the upper respiratory tract. Asian Indians used the stalk for cramps, fevers, and migraine. The seed ia a narcotic fish poison.

Pretty cool plant, don't you think? Pretty cool information in a small field guide sized book as well. If you get a chance, look for this book. I'm sure you'll like it.

FataMorgana

Goodness, that is a cool plant! I'll be sure to look for the book. It can be added to my swiftly increasing "plant book library." :)

Abby

Mullein is very cool. It also likes cold stratification, but will often grow without it. We use the leaf as a poultice for sciatica. The leaf for tea (strained through a coffee filter to get out the little hairs!!!!) for coughs. The flower we infuse in olive oil and it makes a wonderful ear ache oil. The root tinctured can help spine problems. It's a good thing. I've started Baikal skullcap from seed and it is quite easy to start, same with German chamomile. Angelicas need light to germinate, so don't bury the seed. Also, angelica seed should be very fresh, as viability doesn't last long. You will be okay with Horizon Herbs seeds. They are top notch. Red elderberry is toxic. As are fresh black elderberries. Once cooked, black elderberries are fine and in fact, quite delicious! We make syrup and jelly and tincture. Elder flower is also very nice in a tea. Good luck with all your growing!

Very nice herbalbetty. :) Did you start your Elders from seed?

Abby

Abby, my elderberries were tiny rooted cuttings when I put them in the ground, but they sure do grow quickly! They are 4 years old and tower over my head. They are each at least 6-7 foot across as well. They will get larger. And bear like crazy.

I can't wait until my seeds come so I can get started! Thanks for the info!

Abby