Teasel Seed Giveaway

We have harvested seed from the wild teasel growing at High Ash Farm, and we are giving packets away to anyone who would like to grow some. There is no set price. If you would like a packet posted to you, a donation of any size towards the postage — and towards the conservation work here — is all we ask. You will get a 20g packet which typically retails for about £12 + postage.

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is a native biennial. In its first year it forms a low rosette of prickly leaves; in the second it sends up tall stems, often well over head height, topped with oval, bristly flower heads. From July into August, bands of small lilac-purple flowers open around each head and are worked by bumblebees, butterflies and other insects. Rain collects in the cupped leaf bases, and small insects use these little pools.

The dried heads stand through autumn and winter and hold their seed well. Goldfinches cling to them and pick the seed out — one of the best wildlife sights on the farm. Sow where you are happy for it to stay. It does well in sun or light shade on most soils and will self-seed once established. Leave the heads standing over winter if you can, and you may well have goldfinches too.