Growing and Sowing Foxglove

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a stately and elegant biennial plant whose tall flower spikes create a real eye-catcher in borders and cottage gardens. The bell-shaped flowers bloom gradually from bottom to top, attracting many bees and bumblebees. Thanks to its long flowering period and natural appearance, foxglove is a beloved plant for colourful and vibrant gardens. Foxglove is toxic.

Sowing and growing foxglove

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) belongs to the genus Digitalis and is native to large parts of Western and Southwestern Europe, where it naturally grows along forest edges, in clearings, and in mountainous regions. The Latin name Digitalis is derived from the word digitus, meaning 'finger', which refers to the thimble-shaped flowers. Purpurea refers to the original purple-pink flower colour of the wild species. Foxglove is a biennial plant that is popular among gardeners for its tall, elegant flower spikes and natural look in borders and wild gardens. The flowers attract many bees and bumblebees, but all parts of the plant are toxic to both humans and pets if ingested.

How sowing foxglove?

Foxglove can be sown from May to July in an outdoor seedbed or in pots. During the first year, the plant forms a rosette of leaves and usually blooms in its second year. Sow the fine seeds shallowly onto moist seed-starting mix and press them down lightly, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil slightly moist and warm. At temperatures around 18–20°C, the seeds often germinate within 2 to 3 weeks. The young plants can later be transplanted to their permanent location after the Ice Saints. Maintain a planting distance of approximately 30–40 cm when transplanting.

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Position and soil for the foxglove flower?

Foxglove grows best in a location with full sun or partial shade. In its natural environment, the plant often grows along forest edges or in bright, sheltered areas. The ideal soil is humus-rich, nutrient-dense, and well-draining, yet slightly moist so that the ground does not dry out completely. Foxglove does not grow as well in heavy, wet clay soil or very dry sandy soil.

How to care for your foxglove plants?

Foxglove is a fairly easy-to-care-for plant. Water regularly during dry spells, especially young plants, but prevent the soil from remaining wet for long periods. Remove faded flowers if you want to prevent unwanted self-seeding. In spring, a small amount of compost or organic fertilizer can be applied to support growth. Since the tall flower stalks can be sensitive to strong winds, a sheltered location is recommended. It is best to wear gloves when caring for the plant, as all parts are toxic to humans and pets.

Is foxglove bee and/or butterfly friendly?

Foxglove is highly bee- and insect-friendly. The long, bell-shaped flowers produce a lot of nectar, making them very attractive to bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Through this rich blooming, foxglove contributes significantly to increasing biodiversity in the garden.

Foxglove in the vegetable garden?

Foxglove can also be grown in the vegetable garden as an elegant and useful plant for biodiversity. However, it is important to take the plant's toxicity to humans and pets into account; therefore, it is best placed in a permanent, clearly marked spot in the vegetable garden and not in the immediate vicinity of edible crops that are harvested. Always wear gloves when caring for the plant. The flowers can also be used as cut flowers.

Is foxglove edible and/or medicinal?

Foxglove is not edible and is highly toxic to both humans and animals. All parts of the plant contain natural compounds that affect heart function (cardiac glycosides), which can be dangerous even in small amounts and cause severe symptoms of poisoning. Therefore, foxglove must never be consumed or used in cooking.
However, the plant does have a significant medicinal background. Substances extracted from Digitalis species are used in modern medicine for cardiac medications (such as for heart failure and arrhythmias). However, this application occurs exclusively under strictly controlled pharmaceutical conditions and not through the use of the plant itself.

Please note, we at Dutch Garden Seeds do not give medical advice. Always ask a professional if and how the plant can be used medicinally.

Foxglove seeds in our collection

We offer various types of foxglove seeds from the brand 'Buzzy Seeds' in our product range.

Gardening Tips for sowing foxglove

Support the plants to prevent them from falling over.
Place them together in small groups so they can support each other.
Always wear gloves due to the plant's toxicity.