Majestic yet unpretentious biennial plants for shady spots and cottage gardens.
Latin
Digitalis purpurea
Family: Plantaginaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to shade
Zone: 3-9
Timing
Direct sow outdoors after last frost for flowers the following year. In mild winter areas, direct sow in autumn as well. For flowers the first year, sow indoors very early, in December or January for transplanting 2-3 weeks before last frost. Seeds take 14-21 days to germinate. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 15-18°C (60-65°F).
Starting
Sow on the surface. Space or transplant 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.
Growing
Water plants deeply on a regular basis. Cut off finished flowering stems to prevent self-sowing. Otherwise, expect foxgloves to naturalize around your garden. Foxgloves will languish in periods of heat and drought, so provide extra moisture during those times.