Excelsior Hybrid Foxglove

This biennial grows 3-5' tall and does well in part shade. Colors of the stately, gloxinia-like, blooms are white, cream, purple, pink, and primrose. Start plants in June for blooms the following June. They self-seed, so a permanent planting is soon established.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Digitalis purpurea

Biennial, zone 4-8

Germination: 14-21 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and press seeds into the soil, seeds need light to germinate

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperature. Transplant after last frost, 12” apart

Sowing Outdoors:  Direct sow outdoors after the last frost. Sow lightly, thin to 12" apart

Growth Habit: Columnar

Height and Width:  48-60" by 12-18"

Spacing: 12" apart

Light Needs: Full sun to part shade

Soil Needs: Fertile, moist, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in the second season

Uses: Cut flowers, bedding plants, cottage gardens, attracts pollinators

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting.  Cut back stems as the blooms fade, this encourages more flower production. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks.