Species common teasel
a purple-green flower with light-green sepals on a white-green stem

common teasel

Dipsacus fullonum

Common teasel is an amazing species of plant for many reasons. With its tall flowering stalks and spiny, spiked leaves, it is a striking sight in any meadows or wildflower beds. Not only does it add visual interest to its surroundings, it is also great for wildlife, providing a valuable source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and it is also a food source for various species of birds. Additionally, common teasel is easy to grow from seed, and once established can provide years of beautiful colour in the garden. In short, common teasel is a highly attractive plant that deserves a spot in any garden.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Pink to purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common Teasel should be watered about 2 times per week, with just enough water to keep the soil moist. Water should be added only when the soil is dry to the touch, and before the plant begins to wilt. Make sure to water the soil around the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. In the winter months, reduce the amount of watering as the plant’s growth slows and the need for moisture decreases.

sunlight

Common teasel requires full sun for optimum growth. It prefers long hours of direct daily sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day during the growing season (April to October). During the winter, the plant thrives with partial sun, ideally 4 to 6 hours per day. When planted in areas where it receives less than 8 hours of direct sun per day, Common Teasel may not reach its full growth potential.

pruning

Pruning for Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Prune back any flowers or flower stalks that have already bloomed to encourage additional blooms. Cut back the plant by about 1-third of its height to promote bushier growth and a more compact shape. Dead or dying stems should be removed and any errant stems that grow outward should be trimmed. When pruning, be sure to sanitize your tools between cuts and avoid pruning excessively.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Common teasel typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map