teasel cultivation problems

[rtid]

I’m trying to grow teasel from seed. I have had real problems getting the seed to germinate, maybe only 7 out of 30 seeds. Then when they do germinate they are reaching about ¾ inch long and then keel over and once they have hit the soil that seems to be the end of them despite any efforts to revive them

Any suggestions where I’m going wrong.

Each seed is in a small section of a seedling tray in seed soil, I have not over watered them

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by rtid

I’m trying to grow teasel from seed. I have had real problems getting the seed to germinate, maybe only 7 out of 30 seeds. Then when they do germinate they are reaching about ¾ inch long and then keel over and once they have hit the soil that seems to be the end of them despite any efforts to revive them

Any suggestions where I’m going wrong.

Each seed is in a small section of a seedling tray in seed soil, I have not over watered them

Hello and welcome to the forum! I grew teasel in my garden by digging up young plants in the autumn (I had the landowners permission) and re-planting them in my garden. Self sustaining from then on!! I've never tried to grow them from seed though so can't help you there.....

[Alan]

Aren't they biennial, so even if you do get them to grow, they wont flower till next year or so?

Oh by the way, welcome to the forum

[Airehead]

I would have said that I am rather baffled as to why anyone would want to grow teasels in their garden, but recently I saw some cultivated ones which were attracting as many butterflies as the buddleia.
I don't know about their cultivation, but it appears that once they succeed, they grow fast. A few days ago I passed a wide verge which had a dense patch of teasels I would guess up to 7 feet tall, and I don't think they were there last year.

[Alan]

They're a magnet for butterflies and with what I've noticed, Peococks liking them particularly. Many other insects love them as well.

Finches are also attracted to them in the autumn for the abundance of seeds they carry. Goldfinches are the ones known for their liking of them. When the seeds have been used up, 're-fill' them with niger seed to keep the finches coming back through the winter.

A great thing to do, if like me, you like many of our native plants or 'weeds' as they are often known. Much better for biodiversity in the garden. Mix them in with the more guady introduced plants if you want a more conventional look to compliment the scheme.

...if you can get them to grow that is!

[Hornbeam]

I have teasels in my garden and they self seed happily. Started them by taking seed from wild ones and scattering them on poor stony ground. Now I just leave them and pull them up if they grow where I don't want them. Great for butterflies, hoverflies, bees and goldfinches.

[Varan Komodosky]

I notice you say that you aren't over-watering, but the only thing your description brings to mind is the classic 'damping off'. It doesn't literally mean the seedlings are too wet, it's a fungal disease. Check out this link, and don't let it get you down. http://www.thompson-morgan.com/facts...g-off-disease/ Happy gardening!

[rtid]

Thanks for all the comments and advice.

I understand the reticence about growing a “weed” in the garden – I am aware of the adage that once you have had teasel you always have teasel - I am planning a wildlife garden area and they are well known for attracting birds (particularly finches) and butterflies as other posters have already noted.

I think that despite my best efforts, they may be getting too much water so I will bring them indoors and dry them out a bit.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by rtid

Thanks for all the comments and advice.

I understand the reticence about growing a “weed” in the garden – I am aware of the adage that once you have had teasel you always have teasel - I am planning a wildlife garden area and they are well known for attracting birds (particularly finches) and butterflies as other posters have already noted.

I think that despite my best efforts, they may be getting too much water so I will bring them indoors and dry them out a bit.

people pay lots of money for 'Architectural' plants that to me look a bit like teasel really, I love it, will always be a feature of my garden!

[nightshade]

I grew Teasels from seed,not too much sucess,so bought a couple of plants they all went off then ,plants and seeds bumble bees luv em

[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!