There’s something truly magical about foxgloves swaying in the breeze. The first time I planted them in my cut flower garden, I’ll never forget how their tall spires rose above the beds, dotted with bell-shaped blooms that seemed to hum with life. Within days, bees were buzzing, hummingbirds hovered gracefully, and my whole garden felt alive in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
If you’ve been longing for that same sense of wonder in your own space, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about how to grow foxglove—from understanding their unique life cycle to planting, caring, and keeping them thriving year after year. Whether you’re new to gardening or just looking to add a touch of cottage garden charm, these graceful flowers are worth every effort.
Why Foxgloves Deserve a Place in Your Garden
Foxgloves aren’t just beautiful; they’re purposeful. Their striking spires add height and structure to borders, and they carry that unmistakable cottage-garden romance we often dream about.
- Tall spires & charm: Growing up to 5–6 feet tall, foxgloves provide vertical interest that few flowers can match. They pair beautifully with roses, delphiniums, and peonies.
- Pollinator-friendly: Bees adore foxglove bells for their nectar, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see hummingbirds sipping too. A row of foxgloves can turn a quiet corner of your yard into a pollinator paradise.
For any gardener hoping to create a haven of life and color, learning how to grow foxglove is a rewarding step.
Understanding the Foxglove Plant
Foxglove Life Cycle – Biennial or Perennial?
One of the first surprises beginners face is that foxgloves don’t always behave like typical perennials. Most common varieties are biennials, meaning they focus on foliage in their first year and bloom gloriously in their second before setting seed. After that, they often die back.
However, some cultivated hybrids (like Digitalis mertonensis) behave more like short-lived perennials, blooming for multiple seasons if conditions are favorable.
,Knowing whether you’re planting a biennial or perennial type is important when planning your cut flower garden. In my experience, staggering plantings each spring ensures I always have blooms in rotation—a tip I wish I’d learned earlier in my journey of discovering how to grow foxglove.
Popular Foxglove Varieties for Home Gardens
Foxgloves come in a spectrum of colors beyond the classic purple-pink. Here are a few worth considering:
| Variety | Bloom Color | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digitalis purpurea | Purple, pink, white | 4–6 ft | Classic biennial cottage-garden foxglove |
| Digitalis grandiflora | Soft yellow | 2–3 ft | Perennial, more compact |
| Digitalis mertonensis | Rosy-copper | 3–4 ft | Short-lived perennial, repeat bloomer |
| Digitalis lutea | Pale yellow | 2–3 ft | Delicate spikes, naturalizes well |
Each variety offers its own charm. I often grow a mix for both height variation and color diversity. A garden dotted with different foxgloves feels layered, textured, and full of life—something I always encourage when guiding others on how to grow foxglove successfully.
Are Foxgloves Poisonous? What Every Gardener Should Know
It’s important to know that while foxgloves are breathtaking, they are also toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can be harmful to humans and pets.
- Always wear gloves when handling them if you have sensitive skin.
- Teach children not to pick or taste the flowers.
- Place foxgloves toward the back of beds if you have pets that like to nibble.
Don’t let this deter you. With mindful placement and care, foxgloves can still be grown safely. In fact, their very presence makes your garden look more enchanting while supporting pollinators. Knowing the risks is simply part of being a thoughtful gardener—and part of truly mastering how to grow foxglove responsibly.
How to Grow Foxglove Step by Step
Now that you understand the nature of the plant, let’s walk through the practical steps to growing them.
Choosing the Right Spot (Sunlight, Shade & Soil Needs)
Foxgloves thrive in partial shade to filtered sun, especially in warmer U.S. climates. They can tolerate full sun in cooler regions but will appreciate afternoon shade in hotter areas.
- Soil should be rich, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7).
- Good drainage is key—soggy soil can lead to root rot.
- Mixing compost into the soil before planting helps provide the nutrients foxgloves need for those towering blooms.
In my own garden, the foxgloves planted along the east-facing fence always outperform those in full sun—they look healthier, taller, and last longer. That’s why I always stress site selection as one of the most important steps in how to grow foxglove.
Growing Foxglove from Seeds – Sowing Indoors & Outdoors
Foxgloves are most often started from seeds, and here’s what works best:
- Indoors: Start 8–10 weeks before your last frost. Surface-sow seeds (they need light to germinate). Keep soil moist but not wet. Germination usually takes 2–3 weeks.
- Outdoors: Direct-sow seeds in late spring or early summer for blooms the following year. Lightly press them into the soil but don’t cover deeply.
One mistake I made early on was covering my seeds with too much soil—resulting in poor germination. Remember, these seeds are tiny and delicate. Once you master this step, you’ll find how to grow foxglove from seed isn’t nearly as intimidating as it sounds.
Transplanting or Buying Starter Plants
If starting from seed feels daunting, don’t worry—buying starter plants is an excellent option. Garden centers usually sell young foxgloves in spring. Simply plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pots, spacing them about 12–18 inches apart.
If you’ve sown indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, once they’re about 3–4 inches tall. Handle them carefully, as their roots are delicate. I’ve learned to water the soil before lifting them out of trays—it reduces shock and makes the transition smoother. Whether you buy or transplant, this step is one of the most satisfying moments in how to grow foxglove.
Watering, Fertilizing & Mulching Tips
Foxgloves like even moisture but dislike soggy soil. Aim to keep the soil consistently damp, especially in their first year.
- Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Mulch with leaf mold or compost to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
These simple practices encourage tall, healthy spires and are essential for mastering how to grow foxglove successfully.
Supporting Tall Spikes & Deadheading for Extended Blooms
Mature foxgloves often reach impressive heights, which means they can be vulnerable to wind. I use discreet bamboo stakes to support tall stalks without spoiling their natural beauty.
Deadheading (removing spent blooms) also extends flowering. If you want seeds, leave the last few spikes at the end of the season to mature. This way, you can balance continuous blooms with self-seeding—another secret in the art of how to grow foxglove.
Caring for Foxgloves Year-Round
How to Keep Foxgloves Blooming Longer
To prolong the show:
- Stagger sowing seeds each year for continuous cycles.
- Deadhead regularly to encourage side shoots.
- Fertilize lightly after the first bloom flush.
This approach keeps your garden filled with blooms, making how to grow foxglove a joy rather than a challenge.
Common Pests & Diseases (and Natural Solutions)
Foxgloves are fairly resilient but can face issues like:
- Aphids → Wash off with a strong spray of water or apply neem oil.
- Slugs & snails → Place copper tape or organic pellets around plants.
- Powdery mildew → Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Catching problems early is key. Over time, I’ve learned that consistent observation is just as important as the steps in how to grow foxglove.
Do Foxgloves Reseed Themselves? Encouraging Natural Growth
Yes! Most biennial foxgloves reseed generously if left to set seed. You’ll often find baby plants popping up in surprising places the following spring.
To guide this natural process:
- Leave some flower spikes uncut.
- Thin seedlings if they grow too close together.
- Relocate extras to other spots in your garden.
Letting foxgloves reseed is the most effortless way to keep enjoying them while practicing the rhythm of how to grow foxglove year after year.
Winter Care & Overwintering Tips
In colder zones, mulch foxglove crowns with straw or leaves after the first frost. This insulates young rosettes and protects roots. Perennial varieties may remain semi-evergreen, while biennials form basal rosettes that carry them through to spring.
Foxgloves are tougher than they look, but a little winter care goes a long way in keeping them part of your long-term garden plan. This final seasonal step completes the cycle of how to grow foxglove.
Companion Planting with Foxgloves
Foxgloves shine brightest when paired with the right neighbors.
Best companions include:
- Roses, for a romantic cottage look.
- Delphiniums and lupines, to complement height and structure.
- Ferns and hostas, which highlight foxgloves’ spires with lush foliage contrast.
- Shrubs like hydrangeas, which fill out the lower canopy.
Plants to avoid near foxgloves:
- Aggressive groundcovers that compete for moisture.
- Tall, spreading shrubs that shade them out completely.
Smart pairing doesn’t just improve garden aesthetics—it’s also part of the practical wisdom behind how to grow foxglove well.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Magic of Foxglove Blooms
Every time I walk past my foxgloves in bloom, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with gardening in the first place. Their tall spires stand like sentinels, drawing in bees and hummingbirds while bringing that unmistakable cottage garden charm.
Learning how to grow foxglove is more than just a step-by-step process—it’s about patience, observation, and a willingness to let nature take its course. With a bit of care and planning, you’ll find these graceful blooms returning year after year, adding life, height, and magic to your garden.
If you’re just starting out, don’t be intimidated. Plant a few, watch them grow, and let yourself fall in love with the wonder they bring. Your garden—and your heart—will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Foxgloves
Do foxgloves come back every year?
Most foxgloves are biennials, so they bloom in their second year and then die. However, they often reseed freely, giving the illusion of coming back annually. Some hybrids are short-lived perennials that return for several years.
Can foxgloves grow in pots or containers?
Yes, though they prefer garden beds. Use a large, deep container with rich, well-drained soil. Keep them evenly watered and provide support for tall spikes.
How long do foxgloves bloom?
Blooms usually last 4–6 weeks, from late spring through early summer. Deadheading can extend flowering slightly.
Are foxgloves safe for pets and children?
No. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten. Place foxgloves out of reach of children and pets, and always garden with gloves if you have sensitive skin.
How do I collect and save foxglove seeds?
Allow seed pods to dry on the stalk, then gently shake them into a paper bag. Store seeds in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
