Want a garden full of stunning foxgloves?
Growing them doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tips, you can make your garden pop with these beautiful flowers.
Check out these 8 easy tactics to help your foxgloves thrive.
Let’s get started!
Pick the Right Spot
First thing’s first: your foxgloves need the perfect spot. These flowers love sunlight in the morning but appreciate some shade in the afternoon.
So, look for a spot with partial sun. Trust me; they’ll thank you for it.
Also, make sure the area has good drainage. Foxgloves don’t like having their feet wet, so avoid spots where water tends to pool after a rainstorm.
Prepare the Soil
Foxgloves are not super picky, but they do appreciate well-prepared soil. Mixing in some compost or organic matter can work wonders.
Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Grab a soil testing kit if you’re into that kind of thing.
Loosen up the soil about 12 inches deep to give those roots room to grow.
Planting Foxglove Seeds
Now for the fun part: planting! You can sow the seeds directly in the garden.
Lightly press them into the soil but don’t cover them up; they need light to germinate. Water them gently, keeping the soil moist but not soaked.
If you’re starting them indoors, plant them 10-12 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them later.
Watering Tips
Keep your foxgloves happy with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for best results. Deep watering encourages deep root growth, making your plants more resilient.
Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases.
Fertilize for Growth
Feeding your foxgloves is crucial for that extra oomph. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer works well.
Apply it in the early spring when the plants start growing. A second application mid-season can give them a little extra boost.
Just don’t overdo it—too much fertilizer can lead to more leaves but fewer blooms.
Deadheading Blooms
Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can encourage more flowers. Snip the dead flowers just above a healthy set of leaves.
This little trick can prolong the blooming season. Plus, it keeps your garden looking neat and tidy.
If you want seeds for the next season, leave some flowers at the end of the season to develop seed pods.
Watch for Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and slugs—they love foxgloves too. Hand-pick slugs or use slug pellets if you notice them being a problem.
As for diseases, good air circulation and not overwatering will help prevent mildew and rot. Neem oil can be a good, natural solution for some pest issues.
Overwintering Foxgloves
If you live in a colder area, you might wonder how to help your foxgloves survive the winter. Mulch them well to protect the roots from freezing.
Don’t trim the foliage until spring; it helps protect the plant. Once the weather warms up, clear away the mulch and any dead plant material to give them a fresh start.