Make a Garden
Plant foxgloves for a garden echoing with iconic woodland charm from spring to late summer. Choose from an array of bell-shaped flowers in diverse hues and sizes. They flourish in woodlands, clearings, or cottage gardens. Admire them as majestic stand-alone beauties that attract bees and enrich nature.
To encourage foxgloves to spread their seeds, refrain from deadheading until the seeds mature. Gather the fresh seeds and sprinkle them where you'd like more foxgloves, or sow thinly in a tray with seed compost. When sowing, don't bury the seeds; instead, cover the tray with a propagator lid or glass. Seedlings nurtured in trays should winter in a cold frame and planted out in spring. Given their high toxicity, always cleanse your hands after touching foxgloves or use gloves.
Cover the tray don't bury the seeds under soil.
Protection: Plant in sheltered spots so the spires don't snap off in winds. Position: Foxgloves do great in light shade and woodland-like settings. Feeding: Feed every spring with a balanced granular plant food.
Sow seeds indoors, plant out last year's foxglove seedlings or larger plants.
Cut the central flower stem once finished to encourage side stems.
Plant out spring sown seedlings.
Protect perennial varieties with mulch.
Foxgloves are captivating, yet they're not exempt from issues. Diagnosing their ailments can be a challenge. Blackflies on budding flowers and fungal leaf spots in damp conditions are frequent culprits. Don't worry, though! Try squashing blackflies or improving air circulation can keep them at bay. Powdery mildew may show up if conditions are dry; ensure you water at the roots, sparing the leaves. Drooping foxgloves might result from inconsistent watering, especially in pots. Adjust their location based on hydration needs. If they topple over, it could be due to their hefty flower heads facing the wind; providing support or trimming can help. Wondering why your Foxgloves aren't flowering? Remember, many are biennial, blooming in their second year. Over-fertilising can also delay flowering. Should you notice any issues, swift action is crucial.
