Teasel Seeds 'Winter Bouquet' - Unwins - 200 Seeds

If you love attracting bees, butterflies and finches into the garden, grow this stately plant. Aft...

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This guide is for gardeners looking to attract pollinators and create beautiful dried arrangements. Unwins Teasel Seeds 'Winter Bouquet' offers striking architectural plants that provide nectar for bees and butterflies, and seeds for finches, with the added benefit of being suitable for poor, dry soils. A potential caveat is that it is a biennial plant, meaning it will complete its life cycle over two years.

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Model Part Number30210407
BrandUnwins

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FAQs

Is Teasel 'Winter Bouquet' an annual or perennial?

Teasel 'Winter Bouquet' is a biennial plant. It grows foliage in its first year and flowers in its second year.

When is the best time to sow Teasel seeds?

You can sow seeds indoors from April to August, or outdoors in shallow rows from April to August.

What kind of soil does Teasel prefer?

While it prefers heavy clay soils, it also tolerates poor, dry soils very well.

How far apart should I plant the Teasel seedlings?

Allow approximately 30 cm between plants when transplanting them to their permanent positions.

Can I use the flower heads for dried arrangements?

Yes, once the finches have taken the seeds, the flower heads can be cut and brought indoors for impressive dried arrangements.

What is the benefit of letting finches eat the seeds?

It provides a natural food source for birds, particularly finches, during the autumn and winter months.

Do I need to do anything special for the second year's growth?

No, once established, the plant will naturally flower in its second year. Minimal care is required.

Troubleshooting

Seeds fail to germinate

Ensure seeds are kept consistently moist and are at the correct temperature (10–15 °C) if started indoors. Check that they are not sown too deep.

Seedlings are weak or leggy

Provide adequate light but avoid direct, harsh sunlight for young seedlings. Ensure consistent moisture.

Plants not attracting pollinators

Ensure the plant is in a sunny location and has adequate space to grow. Avoid using pesticides in the garden.

Flower heads do not develop well

Ensure the plant receives adequate water, especially during dry periods, and has sufficient nutrients if planted in very poor soil. Check for any signs of pests or diseases.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and finches.
  • Adds unique structural beauty to the garden.
  • Tolerates poor and dry soil conditions.
  • Provides material for attractive dried flower arrangements.
  • Low maintenance once established.

Cons

  • Biennial plant requires two years to flower and set seed.
  • Requires thinning and transplanting for optimal growth.
  • Prefers heavy clay soils, which may not be ideal for all garden types.
  • Needs protection from direct sunlight when young if started indoors.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Sowing Indoors:

  1. Fill a seed tray with moist seed compost.
  2. Sow seeds thinly on the surface and lightly cover with compost.
  3. Maintain a temperature of 10–15 °C.
  4. Keep the compost consistently moist.
  5. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them 5 cm apart into potting compost.
  6. Shade young plants from direct sunlight.
  7. Gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions for 2–3 weeks before planting out.

Planting Out:

  • Plant young plants out during the summer and autumn to establish before winter.
  • Allow 30 cm spacing between plants.

Sowing Outdoors:

  1. Sow seeds in short, pre-watered shallow rows approximately 1 cm deep.
  2. Lightly cover with soil and keep moist until germination.
  3. Thin seedlings to 2 cm apart when large enough to handle.
  4. Transplant to their permanent positions in autumn.

Soil Preference:

  • Prefers heavy clay soils but tolerates poor, dry soils well.
  • Ideal for areas that will not be cultivated for a couple of years.

Care:

  • Water regularly until established.
  • Minimal care is needed once established, especially in dry conditions.
  • Deadheading is not required if saving seeds for birds or for drying.