Even if people disagree about the lifespan (biennial or perennial) of the foxglove, they agree on planting it. What needs to be taken into account?
When and how to sow and plant foxglove?
Foxglove should be sown between June and August and planted from May or in autumn. When sowing, mix the extremely delicate seeds with sand and distribute them in a partially shaded area. Release young plants after 3-4 weeks and maintain a distance of 40 cm within the rows and 25 cm between the rows.
When is foxglove sown and planted?
Although many species of foxglove are considered frost hardy, this plant should be sown and planted outside of a period when the ground is frosty. The best time for sowing is in spring or summer between June and August. At the same time, the foxglove can be planted out from May or in autumn.
How is sowing done?
Since the foxglove seeds are extremely delicate and light, it is recommended to mix them with sand before scattering. This means they can be distributed more evenly. Attention: They are light germinators and should either be covered very thinly with soil or just pressed down.
The ideal germination temperature is 18 °C. If you have kept the soil well moist, you will be able to see small plants after around two weeks. Continue to keep the soil moderately moist and place the plants in a partially shaded spot.
After three to four weeks, the young foxglove plants can be planted out if you have grown them in bowls at home. When planting out, it is important to maintain a distance of 40 cm in the row and 25 cm between the rows.
Which location is suitable for the foxglove?
The foxglove likes to grow on the edges of forests, for example in front of dark conifers or next to ferns. It finds a suitable location in partial shade and full sun. The situation should not be completely calm, but neither should it be stormy. A slightly airy location is ideal.
The substrate should mimic a he althy forest floor. A moist environment is important. The foxglove should not experience any build-up of moisture. The following other characteristics are significant for him:
- profound
- permeable
- humus-rich
- nutrient-rich
- slightly sour
Which plants feel comfortable with foxgloves?
Plants that also love partial shade are suitable as plant neighbors at the location. These include, for example, the following plants:
- Ornamental grasses
- Dark Spurs
- Columbines
- Silver Candles
- Waldsteinia
- fairy flowers
- Balloon flowers
Tips & Tricks
Don't get excited too early: regardless of whether you sow foxglove in spring or summer, it will only bloom in the second year.