All About Foxglove

Foxglove is considered a biennial due to the fact that it will not produce blossoms until the second year. The bad part is that you have to wait two years for the flowers, but the good part is that when they arrive, it may be a pleasant surprise if you forgot that you planted them. Only the leaves are visible in the first year, but in the second summer the flower stalk arrives, reaching a height of up to 4 feet or more. The bell-like flowers come in shades of purple, pink and white with a spotted interior. Although foxglove will self-seed in some climates, it is not guaranteed. If you want to keep the flowers coming, it's best to plant a few seeds every year.

Growing Foxglove

Foxglove is typically grown from seed. Choose a partly shady area with soil that drains well. Sow the seeds in late spring or early summer, and cover them very lightly with soil. Water them lightly. Once they have germinated and are a couple of inches tall, thin them to about 18 inches. Continue to water them about once a week throughout the summer.

Note: Foxglove is a member of the digitalis family, and is extremely poisonous. It is not a good choice if you have small children or pets.