Foxglove is a stunning flower with tubular flowers that have a speckled throat. This plant creates a dramatic effect with its tall flower towers. It is biennial, which means it forms a rosette and leaves in the first year, flowers in the second year and then dies. The flower is easy to reseed, so it should be planted two years in a row to get flowering plants. In addition, new perennial varieties have been developed that bloom in the first year. The plant's leaves were used to treat heart failure in the 18th century and were once the source of heart strengthening agents. Each plant can produce 1 to 2 million seeds. How to make foxgloveplant and care forcan, we show in our article!
Sow the seeds outdoors in pots in late spring or sow them in the garden in late summer where you want the plants to grow. The seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them. The seedlings should be planted in the garden bed in early fall so that they can establish their root system before the arrival of cold weather.
- Keep the soil moist.
- Apply a thin layer every springCompost around the plantaround.
- Tie tall varieties to a stake so the flower stems stand upright.
- Cut back the center flower stalk after flowering to allow additional flower stalks to develop later in the season.
- Leave the flower stem on the plant if you want to reseed it.
What conditions are appropriate for the plant
Foxgloves are fairly easy plants to grow in moist, nutrient-rich soil in full sun to partial shade. The plants come in different sizes and should be spaced out accordingly, but in general it is good to plant them about a meter apart. They can become a bit spindly after flowering, so the plants are often removed from the garden at this point - or just after the seeds have dispersed throughout the garden.
Light conditions for the flower
Grow plants in full sun tosemi-shaded locationon. Adjust the sun exposure to your climate. If you live in the south, you should shade the foxglove a little because full sun is too hot for the plants. In the north, the plant thrives in full sun, although it can tolerate some shade.
Which soil is suitable?
Foxgloves like rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Although the flowers prefer lighter soils, they also thrive in heavy clay soils to which organic matter such as compost is added.
Planting and caring for foxgloves: water
Foxglove is susceptible to crown rot, so it should receive good drainage. Keep the soil moist but not wet. If there is a dry spell in summer and there has been no rain in a week or the top 5 cm of soil is dry, you should water the plant thoroughly. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases.
Temperature and humidity
Foxgloves thrive better in cooler temperatures and may wilt at temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Planted seeds germinate at temperatures between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius. The plant is not picky about humidity, although excessive humidity can promote some fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation by planting plants well apart.
Is fertilizer necessary?
A 3 cm layer of well-decomposed mulch usually provides sufficient nutrients for foxgloves. In good soilsis fertilizeronly rarely necessary, and an excess of nitrogen can even harm the growth of flowers. However, if your soil is very poor, you can add a handful of fertilizer in early spring. Spread it around the plant and then water it to establish it.
Propagation of the flower
Foxglove propagation generally occurs through seeds collected from the flower heads after the flowers have faded. The seeds ripen on the stem and are ready to harvest in mid to late summer. Remove the seed pods and shake them upside down into a paper bag or envelope. The tiny seeds should be visible. Store the seeds in a dry place until ready to sow.
Growing seeds indoors
About 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, fill trays or small containers with seed mix and moisten the mix. Sprinkle the seeds thinly over the moistened seed mix and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite. Place the bowl or pots in a protected place with plenty of light and a temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Check regularly and moisten the soil if it becomes too dry. After 14 to 21 days, the seedlings should sprout. Continue growing the seedlings in a bright location and thin them out if necessary. Keep them evenly moist but not wet. Plant the seedlings outdoors when there is no longer any danger of frost.
Common pests and plant diseases
The foxglove can be attacked by insect pests such as aphids, mealybugs, slugs and Japanese beetles. Predatory insects often help with mild infestations; with severe infestations, insecticidal soaps can be used to combat them. The flower can also be attacked by a number of fungi,such as B. Mildew, Verticillium wilt and leaf spots. Minimize these problems by providing good air circulation and making sure plants are planted in well-drained soil. Crown rot can be a problem, sometimes caused by white fungal spores or by dense, poorly draining soils. Seriously infected plants must be discarded.
Plant and care for foxgloves on the balcony
Foxgloves also thrive in containers and are therefore perfect for oneBalcony shade, volume and colorto lend. Around theFlower in potsTo grow, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a well-draining, high-quality potting mix. Place the seeds on the soil and press them down. Don't bury them because they need light to germinate.
Recommended varieties
There are many foxglove varieties and some hybrids available commercially. Here are the most common varieties:
- 'Foxy' grows 2 to 3 meters tall and blooms reliably in the first year from seed. The flowers are white, cream and pink.
- 'Candy Mountain' has sturdy stems with large, upward-curving flowers that turn from pink to purple as it ages.
- The 'Camelot' series has 120 cm high flower stalks and blooms in shades of lavender, pink and white. This variety flowers in the first year from seed.
- The 'Alba' variety has pure white flowers on tall, strong stems.
Is the foxglove plant poisonous?
The foxglove is thisa poisonous plant. All parts are poisonous. Be careful when planting if you have children or pets. Use gloves!
