teasel cultivation problems

[Mr Mag00]

I have no problem growing them, i just scattered the seeds, and yes they are now everywhere, i pull them and compost or move them. I did a couple of years ago collect alot of stems and placed them in a holder on patio to watch finches feeding i know have problems with my patio and teasles and girlfriend wanting to sit on patio in summer!! I ask you?! But a small amount of persistant weeding and job done!
Again another case of native plant supplying so much food for fauna.

[galanthophile]

It took me ages to find seeds of teasel but once I'd grown them I will never need to acquire another seed as they seed about quite happily. They don't need any special treatment believe me! You might be more successful by just scattering a few where you want them and let nature take its course. It is easy to spot the new seedlings, I just pull up the ones I don't want. They are great for wildlife as many people have already pointed out. Good luck!

[jrbteasels]

I grew them easily.
I made a row in the vegetable garden three ft long and 6 inches wide.
At about the time I sow half-hardy plants (April/May) . . .
I scraped a line in the soil and put the seeds in closely deep enough to
thoroughly cover them and watered them if necessary.
When they sprouted and were big enough to handle I gently dug them out
and planted individuals about 3 - 4 inches apart in rows about 6 inches apart.
Months later when they were crowded I dug them up and planted them about
a foot apart in rows spaced about a foot apart.
By Autumn they had filled the space as very flat plants. In the Spring when they started to shoot up (the next April/May), I dug them up and placed them where I wanted them to mature.
Of course each time you transplant them they must be given water for the next few weeks unless it rains.

[woppittess]

I just sprinkle the seeds on top of a flower pot full of moist compost, then seal in a clear plastic bag until they have germinated. I then pot them up either all together in bigger pot or separate into individuals. I have a large flowertub full and a smaller tub full at the moment - the larger tub will flower this year, the smaller one next year. I must admit that I am one of those people that quite like to grow a number of wild flowers alongside the more exotic stuff. The more the merrier, as long as the mini beasts and the birds enjoy them that is

[animartco]

Oh teazles are wonderful plants Airehead. They are tall and stately, can grow to six foot or more, and the thing I like most about them is that they have little ponds at the base of their leaves, with their own fauna in them. The heads can be used in dry flower arrangements, and were traditionally used for wool carding.
As to growing from seed, this is a wild guess but I think the soil might need to be well impacted. Any looseness might cause the keeling over. They also need room to spread their leaves out flat. For the first year they remain flat on the ground, and any soil or dust on the leaves will cause problems. Hope this helps.

[animartco]

Welcome Rtid. Erm, I don't think you are doing anything wrong! Teazles are Meant to 'keel over'! They spend their first year lying flat on the ground! It is important not to wet the leaves too much or to splash soil on them. So, good luck!