germination rate of verbena rigida when direct sown

Question

Hi: I live in Houston and would like to grow Verbena rigida by direct sowing seed. What germination rate should I expect? Will they bloom in their first summer? Can I improve germination by placing seed packets in the fridge for a couple of weeks?

Answer 1

The rate at which these seeds will germinate varies. To quote our experts, "Verbena seed germination can take as little as 20 days or up to a month or more. The seeds are variable, so be patient."

Verbena seeds can benefit from cold stratification; here's an article that explains how to accomplish that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-stratification.htm

Here's another about growing verbena from seed: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/verbena/verbena-seed-germination.htm