Overview:

Foxgloves are the quintessential cottage flower. Their long floral spikes paired with their tubular flowers make for a bumble bee dream palace. I love pairing these with delphiniums, snapdragons, and bells of Ireland in the garden for a truly magical, whimsical feel.

These flowers are typically biannuals but breeders have crafted varieties that will bloom in their first year.

Starting seeds:

When picking out seeds make sure you pick varieties that flower their first year. Sometimes they are labeled as ‘FYF’ first-year flowering or ‘NO-VERN’ no vernalization required aka cold.

These seeds are actually fairly easy to germinate. I start them inside in late August until early October typically. Seeds are surface sown, just like snapdragons.

The hardest part of growing these flowers from seeds is giving them enough airflow and making sure they dry out in between waterings. They are very prone to dampening off especially when they are in a warm room. Make sure to use a good fan to help promote air flow.

When to plant outdoors:

Late September- December are ideal planting times for Digitalis.

Spacing:

9-12” apart

Sun:

Full sun 6+ hours

Flower Support:

Not typically needed. If growing in a high-wind area, then I would suggest using Hortonova netting or Peony Cages.

Fertilizing: Digitalis are heavy feeders. Give High nitrogen fertilizer to encourage growth in young plants. Weekly liquid fertilizing is also advised for optimal blooms. I use Neptunes Harvest or Maxsea fertilizer.

Typical bloom time:

March & April, occasionally into May.

Succession plant?

Yes, I usually plant two successions of Digitalis. They will send up one large stem partied with a few smaller stems that are perfect for use in bouquets. I usually have Foxgloves bloom as early as January in my containers and as late as April in the ground. They will continue to bloom up the spike making them a great garden flower.

Seed Sourcing:

Johnny’s seeds and Geo seeds are my go-to’s.

Favorite varieties: (all FYF)