Foxglove

Grow foxgloves in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Compost usually supplies adequate fertility; most common biennial types form a rosette before flowering the following year.

Sun

Part shade

Water

1 in/week, even

Spacing

14 in

First harvest

Biennial; blooms year 2

Tips

• Press seeds onto the soil surface without burying them and thin seedlings to about 14 inches apart.
• Supply about 1 inch of water weekly and mulch lightly to maintain even moisture.
• Top-dress with compost in spring and cut faded spikes before seed ripens unless self-sowing is desired.
• Check rosettes for slugs and remove hiding places near young plants.
• Keep all parts of foxglove away from children and pets because the entire plant is highly toxic if swallowed.