Verbena (Verbena Hybrids Nana Compacta Apricot) - Verbena is one of the garden essentials that bloom from spring to fall with very little fuss. This annual is easy-to-grow from Verbena seeds, and it's such a versatile little plant. Apricot Verbena flowers are particularly gorgeous in hanging baskets and containers, and they are great for edging a border or as general ground cover plants. In frost-free climates it is grown as a perennial, but most of us will grow it as an annual. These low growing ground cover plants grow in clumps that reach a height of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).

Verbena plants like full sun, moderate water, and good drainage. Without good drainage they are prone to mildew. Verbena care includes trimming the plants back 1 - 2 times per season to keep them looking tidy and stimulate new bloom. You only need to fertilize Verbena ground cover plants once a year and this is usually done in the spring. Use a complete, balanced fertilizer that is not too high in nitrogen. Butterflies love apricot Verbena, but thankfully Verbena plants are deer and rabbit resistant.

SOWING:
Season: Annual
Height: 8 inches (20 cm)
Bloom Season: Spring through fall
Bloom Color: Apricot
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.8 - 7.2
Germ Temperature: 23C (75F)Average Germ Time: 7 - 28 days
Light Required: No
Depth: Cover seed lightly with peat moss
Moisture: Keep seeds slightly moist to dry
Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches (30 - 40 cm)

Soak Verbena seeds in tepid water 24 hours prior to sowing. Sow the ground cover seeds in starter trays, using a sterilized peaty mix. Press Verbena seeds into the soil and lightly cover with peat moss. Verbena ground cover seeds need darkness for germination. Cover the starter tray with newspaper or black plastic with air holes cut into it and keep out of direct sun. Transplant Verbena seedlings into the garden 12 - 18 inches (30 - 40 cm) apart.