Digitalis purpurea

Sowing and growing guidance

Digitalis purpurea seeds germinate best on the surface, as they need light. Sow on fine, moist compost and mist to settle; do not cover. Start indoors before last frost, or direct-sow once frost danger has passed; in mild climates, autumn sowing can establish rosettes for earlier bloom next season. Transplant to partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Space generously so rosettes can expand and air can circulate, and be ready to support the tall spires in exposed sites. Water to keep evenly moist during establishment. Note: all parts are potentially toxic if ingested; handle and site with care.

• Surface-sow Digitalis purpurea seeds; they need light to germinate—do not cover.
• Start indoors before last frost or direct-sow after last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing can establish rosettes for earlier bloom.
• Grow in partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil; space for rosette spread and airflow; support tall spires if exposed.
• Ornamental: valued for tall flower spires that add vertical interest.
• Pollinator-friendly: flowers attract visiting pollinating insects.

When should I sow foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) seeds after the last frost?

Start Digitalis purpurea seeds indoors before the last frost, then transplant outside once frost danger has passed and the soil is workable. Alternatively, direct-sow on the soil surface after the last frost. In mild climates, autumn surface-sowing lets rosettes establish over winter for earlier flowering the following season. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and airy to reduce damping-off. Early indoor sowing produces sturdier young plants by transplant time, while later spring sowings will catch up but may flower later.

Do foxglove seeds need light to germinate?

Yes. Digitalis purpurea seeds are light-dependent germinators, so surface-sow on fine, firmed compost and do not cover with soil. Press gently to ensure contact, mist to keep evenly moist, and provide bright, indirect light. A clear cover can help maintain humidity, but remove it gradually once seedlings appear to improve airflow. Germination is best in cool to mild conditions; avoid heat and waterlogging. Once seedlings have true leaves, pot on carefully to avoid damaging their delicate roots.

What soil and sun are best for growing Digitalis purpurea?

Foxgloves grow best in partial shade to full sun; in hotter or exposed sites, light afternoon shade helps keep plants from wilting. Soil should be moist yet well-drained, humus-rich, and slightly acidic to neutral. Work in garden compost or leaf mould to improve structure and water retention, and avoid spots that stay waterlogged in winter. A light organic mulch helps conserve moisture around rosettes. For containers, choose a deep pot with drainage and a humus-rich, well-drained mix, watering regularly without saturating the root zone.

How tall do foxgloves grow, and how should I space the plants?

Digitalis purpurea typically forms low, leafy rosettes and then sends up tall flowering spires. Many garden forms produce impressive, eye-catching stems, with compact selections staying shorter. Space plants so each rosette can expand and to ensure good airflow between clumps; avoid crowding under dense shrubs. In windy sites, tall stems may benefit from discreet support. When transplanting seedlings or plugs, give them room to develop a sturdy base before they shift energy into their vertical display.

Are Digitalis purpurea plants poisonous to pets?

All parts of Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) are poisonous if ingested by people and pets, and the sap may irritate sensitive skin. Avoid ingestion and handle with care when deadheading or removing spent plants. Place trimmings with household waste rather than compost if you are concerned about accidental access by animals. Situate plantings responsibly where curious pets are unlikely to chew foliage or fallen flowers.

Do foxgloves self-seed, and how long do they take to flower from seed?

Foxgloves readily self-seed if spent flower spikes are left to ripen; seedlings often appear around the parent plants. To limit volunteers, remove fading spikes before seeds mature. From Digitalis purpurea seeds, plants usually grow a foliage rosette in their first season and flower the following season; early indoor sowing can sometimes yield flowers in the first year. Overwintering rosettes prefer free-draining soil and benefit from a light insulating mulch where winters are severe, while avoiding heavy, wet conditions that can cause crown rot.

Growing information is compiled from supplier specifications and standard horticultural references. Guidance is general and may vary with microclimate, soil type, and cultivation practices. Sowing and planting timings are expressed using climate cues (for example, after last frost, when soil is workable; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible). Individual product pages and packets provide specific instructions for the variety and lot. Compliance and provenance are based on documentation supplied by our growers and quality checks at intake.

Cultivation Notes for Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea seeds respond best to cool, moist conditions and light to germinate. Surface-sow onto fine, free-draining compost; press in lightly without covering, keeping the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged. Ideal germination temperatures sit around 15–20°C, with seedlings appearing in 2–4 weeks. Sow indoors when soil outdoors is still cold, then move seedlings outside after last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for earlier rosettes. Transplant carefully, spacing 30–45 cm to allow air flow and tall spires. Choose partial shade or dappled sun with humus-rich soil. Maintain even moisture during establishment and avoid high-nitrogen feeds that prompt soft growth. Plants are typically biennial, forming a basal rosette first, then flowering the following season; early sowings may flower sooner. Deadhead to tidy, or allow some spikes to set seed for naturalised drifts. When soil is workable, direct sowing can also succeed; mark rows to avoid disturbing the tiny seedlings during weeding.