Growing Foxglove - A Bloom Worth Waiting For
Foxglove is a stunning addition to any garden, known for its tall spires of bell-shaped flowers and ability to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
With varieties blooming in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, this plant brings elegance and vertical interest to flower beds, cottage gardens, and borders. While it may look delicate, foxglove is surprisingly hardy and rewarding to grow once you understand its needs.
Whether you’re starting from seed or planting nursery transplants, giving foxglove the right conditions from the beginning will help it flourish. This guide walks you through the essential elements to consider when cultivating this beautiful biennial or perennial.
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Understanding the Foxglove Life Cycle
Before you begin, it’s helpful to know how foxglove grows. Most common types, such as Digitalis purpurea, are biennial, which means they complete their life cycle over two years.
In the first year, the plant focuses on establishing its roots and growing a rosette of leaves close to the ground. It’s not until the second year that the tall flower stalks emerge and bloom.
There are also perennial varieties available, but even these sometimes behave like biennials depending on climate and growing conditions. If you'd like blooms every year, many gardeners plant foxglove two years in a row, so there's always a group blooming while another is growing foliage.
Choosing the Right Spot
Foxglove prefers a partly shaded location, especially in warmer climates. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler zones, excessive heat may shorten the blooming period. A place with morning sunlight and afternoon shade works well, especially for younger plants.
Soil quality plays a big role in the plant’s success. Foxglove thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil that’s rich in organic matter. If your soil tends to be heavy or clay-like, amending it with compost or leaf mold can improve structure and drainage.
Spacing also matters. These tall plants need airflow between them to reduce the risk of mildew or other moisture-related issues. Space each plant at least 12 to 18 inches apart to give them room to grow and breathe.
Starting From Seed
If you’re beginning from seed, timing and patience are key. Foxglove seeds are tiny and need light to germinate, so they should be sown on the surface of the soil rather than buried.
You can start them indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost or sow them directly in the garden in late spring or early summer.
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs—usually within two to three weeks. Transplant young seedlings when they’re strong enough to handle, taking care not to disturb their roots too much.
Once planted in their final location, foxgloves will spend the first season developing strong leaves. Don’t worry if you don’t see flowers right away; they’ll reward you in the second year with tall, dramatic blooms.
Caring for Growing Plants
Once established, foxglove is relatively low-maintenance, but it benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds while also protecting roots from extreme temperatures.
Feeding isn’t always necessary, especially if the soil is rich, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can support healthy foliage and encourage strong bloom production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
As the plants begin to bloom, you can extend the flowering season by removing faded stalks. This practice, known as deadheading, may also encourage the plant to produce a second, smaller flush of flowers later in the season.
Supporting Tall Spikes
Due to their height—some varieties reaching up to five or six feet—foxglove flower stalks can be vulnerable to wind or heavy rain. In exposed areas, it’s a good idea to provide some support.
Bamboo stakes or decorative plant supports work well and can be gently tied to the stalks using soft garden twine.
Planting them near a fence, trellis, or even other sturdy perennials can also provide natural protection without the need for visible supports.
Allowing for Reseeding
One of the most rewarding aspects of growing foxglove is its tendency to self-seed. If you allow some flower stalks to go to seed and drop naturally, new seedlings often appear the following year.
This can lead to a beautiful, semi-wild display over time with minimal effort.
To maintain a balanced look and avoid overcrowding, you can thin out seedlings in spring or transplant them to new areas of the garden. Keep in mind that cross-pollination between varieties may lead to slight changes in flower color and shape in future generations.
Safety and Final Thoughts
While foxglove is beloved for its beauty, it's important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
This includes the leaves, flowers, and seeds. Gardeners with pets or young children should plant it in areas where it’s less likely to be disturbed.
Despite this, foxglove remains a favorite among gardeners for its graceful presence and ability to bring vertical contrast to beds and borders. With the right care and a bit of patience, this classic flower will return year after year, whether through reseeding or staggered planting.
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Last update on 2025-06-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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