Garden Valerian

What you'll need:

Wild Teasel seeds (you can often find these online or at native plant nurseries)

A patch of soil in your garden or a large pot (at least 12 inches deep)

Regular garden soil (it doesn’t need to be fancy—Teasel is pretty hardy!)

Some basic gardening tools like a trowel and watering can

When to start:

Wild Teasel grows best when planted in early spring or late fall. If you're planting in the fall, it gives the seeds time to settle and germinate naturally over the winter. If you're starting in spring, aim for early March or April once the ground has thawed.

Finding a good spot:

Teasel loves full sun but can tolerate a bit of shade. It's also quite adaptable to different soils, though it prefers well-draining soil. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in some sand or compost to loosen it up.

Tip: Teasel can grow tall (up to 6 feet!), so make sure you give it enough space. If you're planting multiple teasels, leave about 2-3 feet between each plant.

If you’re using seeds:

1. Prepare the soil: Clear away any weeds or debris from the area where you want to plant. Loosen the soil with a trowel or rake.
2. Sow the seeds: Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the soil. You don’t need to bury them too deep—just press them gently into the surface of the soil. They need light to germinate!
3. Water gently: Use a watering can with a fine spray to moisten the soil without washing the seeds away.
4. Wait for sprouts: If you’re planting in spring, you should see little green shoots within 2-3 weeks. Fall planting may take longer, as the seeds will wait until spring to germinate.

If you’re transplanting seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Gently firm the soil around the base of the plant and water thoroughly.

Tip: If you’re planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

Watering:

• Teasel is pretty drought-tolerant once established, but while it’s young, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water every few days if there’s no rain, especially during hot spells.
• As it matures, you can reduce watering. Teasel is used to growing in meadows and fields, so it doesn’t need constant attention.

Sunlight:

• Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Teasel thrives in sunny spots but can handle partial shade if needed.

Weeding:

• Keep the area around your teasel free of weeds, especially when it’s young. Once it gets bigger, its strong roots will outcompete most weeds.

Support:

• As the plant grows taller, you might need to stake it, especially if you live in a windy area. Use a bamboo stick and loosely tie the stem to the stake with soft string.

Fertilizer:

• You don’t really need to fertilize Teasel—it’s a tough plant that grows well in poor soils. If you feel like giving it a boost, a light sprinkle of general-purpose fertilizer in early spring is plenty.

When to Harvest:

• If you’re growing Wild Teasel for its seed heads (which are often used in flower arrangements), wait until late summer or early fall when the flower heads have turned brown and dry.
• You’ll know they’re ready when the spiky seed heads are stiff and the seeds inside rattle slightly when you shake them.

How to Harvest:

1. Cut the stem just below the seed head using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
2. Be careful when handling the seed heads—they’re spiky! Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to prickly plants.
3. Hang the seed heads upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to finish drying completely.

Using the Seeds:

• If you want to collect the seeds for planting next year, simply shake the dried seed head over a bowl or paper bag. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again.

Tip: Don’t harvest all the seed heads if you want the plant to self-seed. Teasel spreads easily on its own, so leaving a few seed heads can lead to new plants next year!

Q: Is Wild Teasel invasive?

A: It can be in some areas! Wild Teasel is very good at spreading its seeds, so if you don’t want it to take over your garden, remove the seed heads before they drop. Check with your local extension office to see if it’s considered invasive in your region.

Q: Can I grow Wild Teasel in a pot?

A: Yes, but remember it can grow quite tall (up to 6 feet). Make sure the pot is large and sturdy enough to support the plant as it grows. You’ll also need to stake it to prevent it from tipping over.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean too much water or poor drainage. Teasel doesn’t like soggy soil, so make sure your soil is well-draining. If you’ve had a lot of rain, consider moving potted plants to a drier spot.

Q: Do deer eat Wild Teasel?

A: Not usually! Teasel is pretty resistant to deer and other pests thanks to its spiky leaves and stems. This makes it a great choice if you live in an area with lots of wildlife.

Q: How long does Wild Teasel live?

A: Wild Teasel is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle over two years. In the first year, it grows leaves and roots; in the second year, it flowers, sets seed, and then dies. But don’t worry—it often reseeds itself, so you’ll likely have new plants popping up.