Common Foxglove

What you'll need:

Common Foxglove seeds (they're tiny, so handle them carefully)

A pot or a patch of garden space

Regular garden soil that drains well (Foxgloves don't like soggy feet!)

• A spot with partial shade to full sun (morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal)

When to start:

Foxgloves are biennials, meaning they grow leaves the first year and flower in the second. If you want flowers next year, now's the time to plant! Spring or early summer is perfect for sowing seeds.

Finding a good spot:

Foxgloves love cooler weather and can tolerate some shade. They’re great for those corners of your garden that get morning sunlight but are shaded in the afternoon. If you’re planting in pots, make sure they have drainage holes.

Planting tip: Foxglove seeds are very tiny, so don’t bury them deep in the soil. Just sprinkle them on top of the soil and lightly press them down.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill your pot or prepare your garden bed with loose soil.
2. Sprinkle the foxglove seeds on top of the soil—don’t cover them completely, just gently press them into the surface.
3. Water lightly using a spray bottle or watering can with small holes to avoid washing the seeds away.
4. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet while waiting for the seeds to sprout.
5. Germination usually takes about 2-3 weeks.

If you already have seedlings:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil where you want your foxglove to grow.
2. Gently place the seedling in the hole, making sure the roots are covered with soil.
3. Lightly pat the soil around the base of the plant.
4. Water immediately after planting to help settle the soil.

Spacing tip: Space each foxglove plant about 12-18 inches apart. This gives them enough room to grow tall and show off their beautiful flowers next year!

Watering:

• Foxgloves don’t need too much water once they’re established. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Avoid overwatering—foxgloves prefer slightly drier conditions rather than being waterlogged.

Feeding time:

• You don’t need to fertilize foxgloves heavily. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause leggy growth. Once a month, you can sprinkle a little general-purpose fertilizer if you think they need a boost.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Foxgloves thrive in cooler climates. They like partial shade, especially in hotter areas. If you live in a cooler region, they can handle more sun.
• During really hot days, provide some shade to prevent wilting.

Minor problem solving:

• Yellow leaves: This could be from overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t staying soggy.
• Leggy plants: If your foxgloves are growing too tall and thin, it might be due to too much shade. Try moving them to a brighter spot if possible.
• Pests: Foxgloves are pretty hardy, but watch out for aphids. You can spray them off with water or use an insecticidal soap if needed.

When to enjoy the blooms:

• Your foxgloves will likely bloom in their second year. Once they do, you’ll see tall spikes covered in beautiful bell-shaped flowers!
• The blooming period typically lasts several weeks during late spring to early summer.

How to "harvest" (deadheading):

• To encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy, you can remove spent flowers by pinching them off with your fingers or snipping them with scissors.
• Don’t cut back the entire flower spike until all the blooms are done, as sometimes foxgloves produce a second round of flowers lower down the stem.

After flowering:

• After the blooming season ends, let the plant go to seed if you want more foxgloves next year. The seeds will naturally drop, and new plants will sprout.
• If you don’t want volunteers popping up everywhere, trim the flower spikes before they drop seeds.

Q: Are foxgloves safe to have in my garden?

A: While foxgloves are stunning, every part of the plant is toxic if ingested. Be cautious if you have pets or small children who might chew on plants. Always wash your hands after handling foxgloves.

Q: Why aren’t my foxgloves blooming?

A: Remember, foxgloves are biennials. If you planted seeds this year, they’re focusing on growing leaves. Flowers will appear next year!

Q: Can I grow foxgloves in containers?

A: Yes! Just make sure the pot is deep enough because foxgloves develop long roots. Also, keep in mind they may not last as long in pots compared to the ground.

Q: Do foxgloves come back every year?

A: Technically, they’re biennials, so they complete their life cycle in two years. But if you let them self-seed, they’ll create new plants that give the appearance of returning year after year.

Q: How tall will my foxgloves grow?

A: Foxgloves can grow anywhere from 2 to 5 feet tall, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Stake them if they start leaning too much.