Blue vervain seeds available through the Northeast Seed Collective.
Growing Conditions: Full sun in medium to wet soil
Size: Height 2-6 ft, Spread 1-2.5 ft
Blooms: August
Landscape Use: Pond edge, rain garden, naturalized area. Tip – Prune back by ½ to ⅓ in mid-spring to reduce height and increase bloom.
Habitat Value: Frequented by an array of native insects, including the verbena moth (host), the Nebraska Vervain Calliopsis Bee (specialist), flower flies (Syrphidae), bee flies, sweat bees, green sweat bees, small carpenter bees, bumble bees, long-horned bees, leafcutter bees, mining bees, and the silver spotted skipper.
Pests & Diseases: None
Mature Seed Color: Light brown
Use a brown bag to collect seeds from September to October when the seed heads are brown and dry. (Do not open immature pods, this may render seeds inviable.)
Collection & Cleaning Tips: Use thumb and index finger to run fingers along the seed pod, stripping the pod of the seeds. Use a fine screen to separate seeds from remaining debris.
Store clean, dry seeds in a refrigerator (40°F) in a sealed glassine envelope.
Germination Requirements: These seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate — a minimum of 30-60 days exposed to temperatures in the range of 40°F and below. Plant on the surface of moist soil as they need light to germinate. Sow outdoors in pots November through February.
Doug McGrady