Teasel

Teasel (Dipsacus Sativus) - Growing Teasel from flower seed is easy to do, and it is a very dramatic plant to have in the back border as it can reach a height of 72 inches. Sometimes called Indian or Fuller's Teasel, it has comb-like flower heads that are used in the wool industry. Today, Teasel is grown in England and Netherlands where it is used used to bring up the nap in woolen cloth. Teasel is also known as an excellent cut flower for drying. It is widely used in floral arrangements and crafts.

Teasel plants will perform well in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Once established they need very little care and are fairly drought tolerant. Deer do not bother Teasel. The Teasel flowers are very popular with bees, birds and hummingbirds who love the flowers and seeds. Teasels are considered a biennial. The first year they will not produce a bloom, but the second year, tall spikes will form with flower heads that are 4 inches, cylindrical-shaped and made up of a mass of tiny flowers. The flowers are usually a lavender color and bloom in a band from the bottom of the flower head to the top, lasting about a month. To keep a patch of Teasel plants in the garden, let a few of the flower heads go to seed. The Teasel flower seeds will drop and self-sow. Fuller Teasel is not considered to be invasive as some other varieties are.

The Teasel flower seeds can be directly sown in the ground in early spring or started indoors. Many gardeners recommend sowing Teasel flower seed indoors since the seeds are a favorite of many birds. Birds and other small animals tend to dig the Teasel flower seeds up.