Foxglove Seeds – Digitalis purpurea
Digitalis purpurea • Plantaginaceae • Native to Temperate Western Europe
Foxglove Seeds grow into tall, elegant biennial or perennial plants with tubular, bell-shaped blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white. Ideal for garden borders, cottage gardens, woodland areas, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Seed Variety: Camelot Foxglove Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Camelot Foxglove Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
All parts of foxglove are toxic if ingested by humans, pets, or livestock, so plant with care in gardens frequented by children or animals and always wash your hands after handling.
Botanical profile
Meet the Foxglove – Digitalis purpurea
Step-by-step planting
Growing foxglove from seed rewards attentive gardeners who understand the plant's rhythm, and here is what to expect at each stage.
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1
Start Seeds at the Right Time
Sow foxglove seeds outdoors in late spring to early summer, or start them indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost if you want a head start on establishing rosettes before winter.
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2
Surface Sow Without Covering
Press Digitalis purpurea seeds lightly onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix and do not cover them, as foxglove germination requires exposure to light.
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3
Keep Moisture Consistent
Mist the surface gently to keep it evenly moist but not waterlogged, because drying out at this stage is one of the most common reasons foxglove seeds fail to sprout.
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4
Expect Variable Germination
Foxglove germination typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks, though soil temperature, moisture levels, seed freshness, and your local climate all influence how quickly and evenly seeds will sprout.
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5
Thin and Transplant Seedlings
Once seedlings have two to three true leaves, thin or transplant them to about 18 inches apart, giving each plant room to develop the strong basal rosette it needs before winter.
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6
Choose the Right Spot
Foxglove thrives in partial shade to dappled light with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, making it a natural fit for woodland garden plantings and the shadier edges of a mixed border.
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7
Let Plants Overwinter and Bloom
Leave your foxglove rosettes in place through winter and they will shoot up flowering spires the following late spring or early summer, after which you can let the plants set seed and self-sow for the next generation.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Foxglove Seeds – Digitalis purpurea
How long do foxglove seeds take to germinate?
Under good conditions, foxglove seeds typically sprout within 2 to 4 weeks of sowing. Germination timing varies depending on soil temperature, moisture consistency, light exposure, and seed viability, so results differ from one garden to the next. Keeping the growing medium evenly moist and around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit tends to support more even sprouting.
Do foxglove seeds need light to germinate?
Yes, Digitalis purpurea seeds require light to germinate, which is why they should be pressed onto the soil surface rather than buried. Even a thin layer of soil or vermiculite covering them can significantly reduce your germination rate. Sowing on a bright windowsill or under grow lights works well for indoor starts.
Will foxglove bloom the first year from seed?
In most cases, foxglove grown from seed will not bloom in its first year. As a biennial flower, it spends year one producing a leafy rosette at ground level, then flowers in its second year before setting seed and dying. If you sow seeds very early indoors under warm conditions, some plants may occasionally flower in their first year, but this is not typical.
Are foxgloves toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes, all parts of the foxglove plant are toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals, including the leaves, flowers, and seeds. Ingestion can cause serious symptoms affecting the heart, so this is an important consideration if your pets spend time in the garden. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect an animal has eaten any part of a foxglove plant.
How far apart should foxglove be planted?
Space foxglove plants about 18 inches apart to allow good air circulation and room for their rosettes to develop fully. Planting too closely can encourage fungal issues and makes it harder for each plant to build the energy reserves it needs to produce strong flower spikes. If you are planting in drifts for a naturalistic look, a slightly tighter spacing of 12 to 15 inches can work, but watch for any signs of powdery mildew.
Can foxglove grow in full shade?
Foxglove prefers partial shade or dappled light rather than deep, full shade. In very low light conditions the plants tend to become leggy, produce fewer flowers, and are more prone to disease. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or the shifting light under a deciduous canopy, tends to bring out the plant at its most vigorous.
Do foxgloves come back every year?
Foxglove is a biennial, meaning individual plants live for two years and then die after flowering and setting seed. However, because they self-seed prolifically, an established colony will keep replenishing itself year after year, giving the impression of a perennial planting. To encourage this naturalistic cycle, leave some spent flower spikes in place so the seeds can scatter across the surrounding soil.