When to plant Verbena in Temperate Australia
Temperate zone — applies to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Cool · Subtropical · Tropical · Arid.
Sow verbena direct in January, February, August, September, October, November or December, covering the seed with about 6 mm of soil. Germination takes 10–20 days and can be uneven, and plants flower in around 70 days, giving long-lasting clusters of colour through the warmer months. Thin or space plants to 25–30 cm apart in rows about 30 cm apart, choosing the sunniest, best-drained bed you have. This hardy annual is heat and drought tolerant once established, which makes it a dependable summer performer in temperate gardens across Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
Sowing calendar — temperate zone
Green months are your sowing window: August to February.
Growing notes
Verbena is a tough, sun-loving flower that keeps blooming through summer once established, and the sowing windows either side of winter let you start plants in late summer or in spring for a long display. Sow direct where it is to grow, cover with about 6 mm of soil, and be patient, as germination over 10–20 days is often slow and patchy.
The two things verbena will not tolerate are shade and wet feet. In a shady or poorly drained spot it sulks, flowers thinly, and is prone to powdery mildew and root rot. Give it full sun and free-draining soil, and in heavier Melbourne or Ballarat-fringe clay, improve drainage or grow it in pots and raised beds.
Powdery mildew is the most common problem, showing as a white bloom on the leaves in humid or crowded conditions. Space plants at the full 25–30 cm for airflow, water at the base rather than over the foliage, and remove affected leaves early. Once established verbena copes well with dry spells, so avoid overwatering, which does more harm than a bit of drought. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly and give a light feed through the season to keep the colour coming. A quick trim after the first flush encourages a fresh wave of blooms.
Verbena at a glance
| Sowing depth | 6 mm |
|---|---|
| Plant spacing | 25-30 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Germination | 10-20 days |
| Days to maturity | 70 days |
| Frost tolerance | Hardy |
| Method | Raise Seedlings,Sow Direct |
Common questions
- When should I sow verbena in a temperate garden?
- Sow direct in January and February, or across August to December. These windows let plants establish in late summer or spring for a long flowering run through the warmer months in temperate zones like Sydney and Adelaide.
- Why does my verbena have white powder on its leaves?
- That is powdery mildew, common in humid or crowded conditions. Space plants 25–30 cm apart for airflow, water at the base rather than overhead, and remove affected leaves. Full sun and good drainage keep it in check.
- Does verbena need a lot of water?
- No. Once established it is quite drought tolerant and prefers to be kept on the drier side. Overwatering, especially in poorly drained soil, causes root rot and mildew, so water only when the soil has dried down a little.
- How much sun does verbena need?
- Full sun. In shade it flowers poorly and is far more prone to mildew. Choose the sunniest, best-drained bed you have and space plants 25–30 cm apart for the best display.
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