How to Plant Foxglove: A StepbyStep Guide
How to Plant Foxglove?
To plant foxgloves, you can start from seeds by sowing them between January and May on good quality seed compost.
Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged and germinate the seeds at a temperature between 18-25°C (64-77°F).
In October to March, you can transplant the seedlings into borders or pot them up into containers.
Native foxgloves will self-seed in the garden, producing seedlings identical to the parent plant.
Plug plants should be potted into individual pots and kept in a cool, frost-free area before gradually acclimatizing them to outdoor conditions.
Garden ready foxgloves can be planted directly into borders or potted up and grown before planting.
Remember that foxgloves can grow in any reasonable soil and thrive in both sun and shade.
It’s recommended to plant them in spring or autumn when the soil is warm and moist.
Adding well-rotted compost before planting will improve moisture retention and drainage.
Foxgloves establish in their first year and flower in the second year.
For maximum impact, plant them in swathes at the back of the border.
Key Points:
- Start planting foxgloves from seeds between January and May on good quality seed compost
- Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged and germinate seeds at a temperature between 18-25°C (64-77°F)
- Transplant seedlings into borders or pot them up into containers between October and March
- Native foxgloves will self-seed in the garden, producing identical seedlings to parent plant
- Plug plants should be potted into individual pots and gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions
- Garden ready foxgloves can be planted directly into borders or potted up before planting
Did You Know?
1. The name “foxglove” is derived from the old English term “foxes-glew,” which means “folks’ music.” This is believed to be because foxgloves were traditionally used to make flutes.
2. Foxgloves are known for their bell-shaped flowers, which come in various colors such as white, pink, purple, and yellow. However, rare mutations have been found, resulting in foxgloves with fascinating patterns and combinations of these colors.
3. Foxgloves contain a compound called digitalis, which is widely used in medicine to treat heart conditions. It helps to regulate heart rhythm by strengthening contractions and slowing down the heart rate.
4. In folklore, foxgloves were often associated with fairies due to the belief that their flowers could grant magical powers or provide protection against evil spirits. It was said that wearing a foxglove flower would allow a person to see fairies and communicate with them.
5. While foxgloves are beautiful, they can be toxic if ingested. The entire plant is poisonous, containing toxins that can affect the heart, digestive system, and even the nervous system. It’s important to handle foxgloves with caution and keep them away from children and pets.
Planting Foxgloves From Seed
Foxgloves, known for their beautiful spires of tubular flowers, can be easily grown from seed. The best time to sow foxglove seeds is between January and May. Start by using good quality seed compost and sow the seeds thinly on the surface. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost and keep them moist but not waterlogged. It is important to provide a consistent temperature of 18-25C (64-77F) for germination.
After about two weeks, the seedlings will begin to emerge. Once they are large enough to handle, around 5cm (2 inches) tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into borders. If transplanting them into borders, it is best to do so between October and March. Ensure that the seedlings are watered well and protected from harsh weather conditions.
Transplanting Foxglove Seedlings
If you have started foxgloves from seed and now have healthy seedlings, it is time to transplant them. Begin by selecting a suitable location in your garden or prepare pots for container gardening. Foxgloves prefer a well-drained soil, so ensure that the soil is prepared accordingly.
Gently remove the seedlings from their pots, being careful not to damage the roots. Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the root ball and place the seedling in the hole. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant. Water the newly planted seedlings well to settle the soil around their roots.
Growing Native Foxgloves From Self-Seeding
To propagate native foxgloves, simply allow the plant to go to seed in your garden. The seeds will then drop to the ground, and with proper conditions, they will germinate and grow into new plants. Native foxgloves are known to self-seed abundantly, producing offspring that are true to the parent plant.
To encourage self-seeding, it is important to allow the flowers to fully develop and go to seed. This means resisting the urge to deadhead the spent blooms. As the seedlings sprout, thin them out to give each plant enough room to grow. This method will create a naturalized and visually pleasing display of foxgloves in your garden.
Potting And Acclimatizing Plug Plants
If you prefer not to start foxgloves from seed, you can purchase plug plants. When the plug plants arrive, carefully remove them from their packaging and inspect their condition. It is important that the plants are healthy and free from any signs of disease.
Before transplanting the plug plants, it is advisable to pot them on into individual pots. This will provide them with sufficient space to grow and establish a stronger root system. Place the pots in a cool, frost-free position and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by slowly introducing them to sunlight and wind.
Planting Garden Ready Foxgloves
Garden Ready Foxgloves: Planting Tips
For those who want to skip the early stages of foxglove growth, garden ready plants are a convenient option. These plants are well-established and ready to be planted straight outside into borders or pots. They come in various sizes, including larger potted plants that provide instant impact in your garden.
To plant garden ready foxgloves, follow these steps:
- Choose a suitable location in your garden that receives the required amount of sunlight for the specific variety.
- Ensure that the soil is well-prepared and amend it with well-rotted compost for improved moisture retention and drainage.
- Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of the plant.
- Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
- Firm the soil gently to secure the plant in place.
- Water thoroughly to help the plant establish itself.
Remember, proper planting techniques contribute to the success of your garden. So, make sure to select the right location and prepare the soil accordingly.
“Garden ready foxgloves offer a convenient option for skipping the early growth stages. Follow these planting tips to ensure success in your garden.”
- Choose a suitable location with the required sunlight.
- Prepare the soil with well-rotted compost.
- Dig a hole for the root ball.
- Place and secure the plant.
- Water thoroughly for establishment.
Selecting And Planting Different Varieties Of Foxgloves
There are various varieties of foxgloves to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and flower colors. The popular Foxglove Illumination series, including ‘Illumination Ruby Slippers’ and ‘Illumination Pink,’ are unique hybrids developed by Thompson & Morgan. These hybrids derive their color and perennial habit from the Isoplexis parentage and can flower for up to five months.
Candy Mountain, another stunning variety, displays upward-facing rose-pink flowers and is particularly suitable for planting in central beds and cottage garden borders. ‘Mountains Mixed’ is a variety that offers a range of flower colors, from white to dark pink, creating a beautiful mix of tones in your garden.
Excelsior hybrids are an improved version of native foxgloves and are best planted in large swathes at the back of borders or cut for indoor displays. For those with limited space, compact varieties like ‘Panther’ and ‘Dalmation Peach’ are perfect for growing in pots and containers.
In conclusion, foxgloves are versatile plants that can be easily grown from seed, plug plants, or garden ready plants. Whether you choose to start from seed or purchase established plants, foxgloves will reward you with their tall spires of vibrant flowers. Remember to select the appropriate planting method, provide suitable growing conditions, and enjoy the beauty of these stunning biennials or short-lived perennials in your garden.
- Foxglove Illumination series
- ‘Illumination Ruby Slippers’
- ‘Illumination Pink’
- Candy Mountain
- ‘Mountains Mixed’
- Excelsior hybrids
- ‘Panther’
- ‘Dalmation Peach’
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to plant foxgloves?
The ideal location for planting foxgloves would be in a shaded area with dappled to deep shade. As woodland plants, foxgloves thrive in environments where they are protected from direct sunlight. It is important to choose a spot with soil that is rich in organic matter, as this will provide the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. By selecting a shaded area with nutrient-rich soil, you can create an optimal habitat for these beautiful flowers to flourish.
Is Foxglove easy to grow?
Foxglove, with its simple seed cultivation process, can be considered relatively easy to grow. The process involves sowing the seeds in early summer, or in autumn if using harvested seeds, without covering them as they require light for germination. By ensuring the soil remains consistently moist, gardeners can enjoy the successful growth of this beautiful plant in their gardens.
Can you grow foxgloves from cuttings?
Yes, foxgloves can be propagated from cuttings. This method is quite popular among gardeners due to the faster and superior growth achieved with this technique. By carefully taking cuttings from a healthy foxglove tree, you can create new plants that will develop more quickly and thrive in your garden. Whether you are looking to expand your foxglove collection or simply wish to enjoy their stunning blossoms, propagating from cuttings can be an effective way to achieve successful growth.
How many foxglove seeds to plant?
To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to plant 10 foxglove seeds in 10 cells of a module tray. By sowing the seeds thinly in cells, this method allows for better control and prevents overcrowding. This way, you can expect a total of 100 foxglove plants to flourish from the carefully planted seeds.