Teasel is a striking and architectural biennial wildflower well known for its tall, spiny stems and unique cone-shaped flower heads. Producing pale purple flowers in mid to late summer, Teasel is not only visually impressive but also incredibly valuable to wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for pollinators including bees and butterflies, while its dried seed heads are a vital winter food source for birds, especially goldfinches.
Typically found along roadsides, riverbanks, grasslands, and wastelands, Teasel thrives in most soil types, particularly damp, well-drained conditions. It brings vertical interest and structure to wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, and conservation planting schemes, with the added bonus of dramatic seed heads that persist through winter for ornamental and ecological value.
Features & Benefits
Iconic, spiky purple flower heads ideal for vertical interest
Provides critical nectar for pollinators in summer
Seeds offer food for birds like goldfinches in winter
Hardy biennial with striking winter silhouette
Suits a wide range of soil types, especially moist ground
Popular in wild gardens, verges, conservation schemes
Latin Name:
Dipsacus fullonum
Flowering Time:
July – September (second year)
Flowering Height:
100 – 200 cm
Life Cycle:
Biennial
Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
3.75kg per acre (9.26kg per hectare)
Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (September – October)
How to Sow & Preparation
Choose a sunny location with moist but well-drained soil.
Prepare the ground by removing all weeds and raking to a fine tilth.
Scatter the seed evenly across the surface – do not bury deeply.
Roll or lightly press the seed to ensure good contact with the soil.
Keep watered during dry spells until established.
Teasel will form a rosette in the first year and flower in the second.
About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
With over 35 years of expertise, John Chambers Wildflower Seeds is one of the UK’s leading native wildflower seed suppliers. Committed to biodiversity and habitat creation, John Chambers supports conservation professionals, councils, gardeners, and landscapers with high-quality, UK-sourced wildflower seed for long-lasting results across diverse habitats and projects.

Attribute Detail
Latin Name Dipsacus fullonum
Flowering Time July – September (second year)
Flowering Height 100 – 200 cm
Life Cycle Biennial
Sowing Rate 3.75kg per acre (9.26kg per hectare)
Sowing Period Spring or Autumn
Preferred Conditions Moist but well-drained soils, full sun
Pollinator Friendly Yes
Bird-Friendly Yes – seeds attract goldfinches
Minimum Order Quantity 100g
Suitable For Wildlife meadows, naturalistic planting, wet grassland, roadsides, riverbanks, conservation projects