Foxgloves in Barr's Cottage
Digitalis purpurea
A hardy biennial for UK gardens, foxgloves are usually grown from seed sown in early summer, then moved to their flowering position once plants are sturdy. They flower the following year and often self-seed freely, so leave a few spikes if you want them to return. All parts are toxic, so wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Foxglove
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds
18 Apr – 19 JulSow thinly around 18th April - 19th July in trays, modules, or a prepared seedbed. Use a light covering of compost and keep the surface just moist. Wear gloves when handling seed and plants, and wash your hands after sowing because every part of the plant is toxic.
Thin Seedlings
24 Jun – 15 JulWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out so the strongest plants can develop without crowding. Keep the compost or soil evenly moist, but don't let it stay soggy.
Transplant Young Plants
15 Aug – 19 SeptMove sturdy young plants to their final positions around 15th August - 19th September. Space them apart in moist, free-draining soil with some light shade, then water them in thoroughly straight away.
Protect and Grow On
1 Sept – 31 OctFrom 1st September, keep plants watered in dry spells and protect them from slugs, which can badly damage young rosettes. If the weather turns sharp after moving them, use fleece or cloches for a short spell until roots take hold.
Flower and Deadhead
28 Feb – 29 AprFlowers should open from 28th February and can continue through 29th April the following year. Deadhead spent spikes to keep the display going, but leave a few if you want self-sown seedlings for later years.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Foxglove.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Foxglove to consider
Excelsior Hybrids
Mixed-colour foxgloves with tall, dependable flower spikes for cottage gardens.
Sutton's Apricot
A softer apricot-pink form that works well in partial shade.
Alba
A white foxglove with clean-looking spikes that brightens darker corners.
Pam's Choice
Cream flowers with rich maroon markings inside each bloom.
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