How To Grow Foxglove From Seeds
Foxglove also known as Digitalis Purpurea, is a pretty and popular flowering plant native to Europe. With its tall spikes of bell-shaped blooms in tones of pink, purple, yellow, and white, it's no wonder that foxglove is a staple of many gardeners' flower beds.
If you're going to grow foxglove from seeds, here are a few tips to take into account:
Step 1: Choose Suitable Foxglove Seeds
When selecting foxglove seeds, look for a variety adequate to your climate and growing conditions. There are several different species of foxglove, including Digitalis purpurea, Digitalis ferruginea, and Digitalis lutea, and each has slightly different requirements. Choose a variety that is native to your region, or one that has been specifically bred for your area.
Step 2: Prepare The Soil
Foxgloves prefer well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting Foxglove prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to the bed where you plan to plant the seeds. If the soil in your region is heavy or clay-like, mix in it some sand to improve the drainage.
Step 3: Sow Foxglove Seeds
You can sow Foxglove seeds indoors in pots or directly into the garden.
Sowing Foxglove seeds indoors: fill the pots with a quality seed-starting mix and moisten it thoroughly. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, covering them with a thin layer of seed-starting mix. Place the pots in a warm, bright location and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Sowing Foxglove seeds directly into the garden: prepare a shallow trench and sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and gently press down to make sure they are in contact with the soil. Water the bed thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Step 4: Transplant the Seedlings
Once the seedlings have sprouted and grown several leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden. Choose a location with partial shade and well-draining soil. Space the seedlings about 18 to 24 inches apart, making sure they are in a hole deep enough so that the soil level is just above the soil line of the seedling's pot. Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
Step 5: Foxglove Care
Once your foxgloves are established, they will need regular watering and fertilization. Foxgloves prefer a slightly acidic soil, so if your soil is alkaline, you can add some sulfur to lower the pH. You can also apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks to encourage healthy growth.
Conclusion: growing foxgloves from seeds is a simple and rewarding process. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy their stunning blooms for many years to come.
