Fuller's teasel
Dipsacus fullonum · Caprifoliaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant fuller's teasel: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, chalky or neutral
Care
Watering
Water moderately after planting to encourage rooting. Once established, this plant tolerates drought well and requires little watering except during prolonged hot periods. Avoid excess moisture which could rot the roots.
Exposure
Place the teasel in full sun for optimal flowering. A sunny location promotes vigor and flower production. It tolerates light shade but prefers bright areas.
Soil Preparation
Prepare well-drained soil that is chalky or neutral, lightly enriched with organic matter. Avoid overly acidic or constantly wet soils. Rocky or poor soil poses no problem for this hardy plant.
Pruning and Training
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape and remove dry stems. This plant may self-seed spontaneously; remove spent flowers if you wish to limit seedlings. Light cleanup after flowering is usually sufficient.
Fertilization
This hardy plant requires little fertilizer. An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and Diseases
The teasel is very resistant to disease. Occasionally watch for slugs or snails which can affect young plants. In overly wet soil, rot may appear; improve drainage if necessary.
Did you know?
The teasel owes its English name to the shape of its densely packed tubular flowers, once reputed to attract birds. Historically, peasants used its prickly flower heads to card and tease wool fibers, hence the scientific name 'fullonum' (from the Latin verb 'fullare': to felt cloth). This artisanal practice also earned it the nickname 'Fuller's thistle'.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.