Location

• Aggie Horticulture states that one of the most common reasons for verbena to fail is incorrect location. Gardeners should wait to sow verbena seeds until they've measured the location for both drainage and full sun all day, as the seeds won't germinate without these conditions.
  
  

Spring and Summer Planting

• Verbenas do well with spring plantings in warm areas like zones 8 to 10. In cooler zones, gardeners should wait until early summer to plant. Prepare seeds with a "chilling" period by putting them in the freezer for two weeks. Sow the seeds directly into soil amended with quick-draining amendments like loam and compost.
  
  

Fall Planting

• Verbena seeds can receive their chilling period naturally when planted in fall. Sow the seeds before the first frost, in the appropriate soil, and allow winter temperatures to prompt the seeds into germination. This works best in areas that receive fairly temperate winters.