Start your teasel seeds indoors from January to April, sowing them 0.5cm deep in a tray of seed compost. Water well and place the tray in an unheated greenhouse, cold frame or warm windowsill. Prick out seedlings individually as they develop, as germination may be erratic. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings to individual pots. Harden plants off gradually before planting out in August to October.

Teasels are biennials, so they grow leaves in their first year and flower in their second year after sowing. The spiky flower heads bloom with tiny purple flowers from July to August, then turn into brown seed heads in the autumn.

Yes, like many wildflower plants, teasels will self-seed after flowering. They are vigorous and will spread freely throughout the garden, though young plants are easy to remove if you find them growing somewhere undesirable. You can also collect teasel seeds to sow yourself.