I tried growing annual verbena from seed in 2025 and while I had success with germination the plants were VERY small when I wanted to put them in pots. I ended up buying replacement plants.  I think this happened for two reasons:

• I didn’t start them early enough
• I didn’t have enough supplemental heat and light

So the plan for 2026 is to improve both.

This is my personal garden growing guide. I use it to track seed sources, when to start seeds and if I should adjust growing conditions in my own greenhouse and garden. Please don’t consider this professional grower’s advice.

VARIETIES AND SOURCES

I’ve purchased Verbena seeds from Swallowtail Seeds in the past, but this year I’m going with a Canadian source. These seeds were cheaper and until I know I can successfully grow starts I’m not investing in more exotic colours.

Veseys

• Verbena Twister Violet
• Verbena Pink Shades

Seed Starting Guide

Our last frost date is around May 13 according to the almanac however it’s rare for us not to have a cold snap before the May 24 weekend. My updated 2026 schedule is as follows:

Start Date

• March 1–5 (12 weeks before May 24)
• Germination temp: 20–24°C
• Days to germination: 14-21 days
• Some varieties benefit from 7 days cold stratification in fridge before sowing. Veseys packet does not say so.

Sowing Method

• Start in germination trays
• Barely cover, some light helps in faster germination
• Add heat and use dome to retain moisture

Growing On

• Pot up at 3-4 true leaves (3-4 weeks)
• Temp: 16-20°C
• Light: 14–16 hours (needs strong light)
• Fertilize when 3 to 4 weeks old.

Planting Out

• Frost tender
• Plant after May 24
• Do not allow plants to dry out to point of wilting