When to plant Foxgloves in Bristol

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove
Foxglove · Digitalis purpurea

A hardy biennial for UK gardens. Sow this year, move sturdy plants into place, and they flower the next year. They often self-seed if you leave a few spikes. All parts are toxic. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling.

150 cm · Partial Shade · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Sow indoors May to August, plant out August to October, harvest May to October. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    3 May to 4 Aug

    Sow in trays around 3rd May - 4th August. Press seed onto the surface and leave it uncovered. Keep just moist. Wear gloves. Wash your hands. All parts are toxic if eaten, including for pets.

    • A spare seedbed works if you have no trays.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    24 May to 15 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 24th May - 15th September, prick them into pots, or thin a seedbed so the strongest have room.

  3. 03

    Transplant Young Plants

    19 Aug to 23 Oct

    Move sturdy rosettes around 19th August - 23rd October. Space apart in moist, free-draining soil with some shade. Water in. Wear gloves.

  4. 04

    Protect and Grow On

    19 Aug to 22 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 19th August, protect seedlings and new rosettes from slugs. Water in dry spells.

  5. 05

    Flower and Deadhead

    3 May to 3 Oct 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Spikes open next summer, from 3rd May 2027 through 3rd October 2027. They will not flower in the year you sow. Deadhead spent spikes to keep the display going. Leave a few if you want self-sown plants later.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Foxglove.

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.

Foxglove guides by town

See how Foxglove timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.