When to plant Foxgloves in the UK

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
Sow indoors May to July, plant out August to October, harvest May to September.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    mid-May to late July UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow in trays around mid-May to late July. 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

    early June to early September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from early June to early September, prick them into pots, or thin a seedbed so the strongest have room.

  3. 03

    Transplant Young Plants

    early August to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Move sturdy rosettes around early August to mid-October. Space apart in moist, free-draining soil with some shade. Water in. Wear gloves.

  4. 04

    Protect and Grow On

    early August to mid-December UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  5. 05

    Flower and Deadhead

    mid-May to late September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Spikes open next summer, from mid-May through late September. 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.