Teasel Teasel is architectural and dramatic, producing spiky, cone-shaped flower heads loved by butterflies and bees on tall spiny stems in the second year or can be left to feed the birds, especially finches. Sow indoors, from January to April, 0.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse, or on a warm kitchen windowsill. Keep moist. Germination may be erratic, so prick out seedlings individually as they develop. Further germination may be prompted by covering with plastic and leaving outside to chill for 2-3 weeks, after which you should bring into the warmth at approx. 15C. Transplant individually, when large enough to handle, to 7.5cm pots. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions, before planting out into well-drained soil, August-October, 45cm apart. Once established, they can self-seed. Flowers from July to September, the following year.
