Plant Annual Verbena Seeds: Wrap seeds in a moist paper towel, place the paper towel in a zip-lock bag, then refrigerate for 7 days prior to sowing. Then sow in cell packs or flats, using a sterilized, soil-less packaged mix (available at most larger garden centers). Soil moisture is important when germinating verbena seeds. Soil should be slightly moist to almost dry. Press seeds into soil and lightly cover. Darkness will aid germination. Cover flat with newspaper and keep out of direct sun. Remove newspaper cover and provide direct light as soon as the first seeds begin to sprout. Kept at 75° F., germination is in 21-30 days. Transplant into the garden 12-18 in. apart.
Grow Annual Verbena: Plants like full sun, moderate water, good drainage. Shearing plants back once or twice per season keeps them looking tidy, and stimulates new bloom. Butterflies love verbena. Plants are deer and rabbit resistant.
