Teasels are a popular variety of wildflower, which make for attractive dried cut flower arrangements. An architectural addition for the back of garden borders or wildlife gardens, plants will self-seed freely for a continual display. Tall and striking, the lilac-pink conical flower heads are held above serrated leaves in mid- to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. The large and prickly seed heads hold on the plants well into winter, providing a good food source for birds such as goldfinches. Sow February to June onto the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place sown container in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 15-20C (59-68F) until after germination which usually takes 1-3 months. Do not exclude light as this helps germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise y