How to Collect and Sow Foxglove Seed

Foxgloves, also known as Digitalis, are beautiful biennials that are prized for their tall spikes of bell-shaped blooms. If you want to propagate foxgloves in your garden, collecting and sowing seeds is the way to go. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to collect and sow foxglove seed, so you can enjoy these stunning flowers year after year.

Choosing the Right Time to Harvest Foxglove Seed

The first step to collecting foxglove seed is deciding when to harvest it. Foxglove plants will produce seed pods once the flowers have faded. It’s important to wait until these seed pods are dry and brown before harvesting them. This ensures that the seeds inside are mature and viable.

To check if the seed pods are ready, gently touch them. If they feel firm and dry, they’re ready to be harvested. If they still feel soft or plump, give them more time to ripen on the plant.

Harvesting Foxglove Seed

When the seed pods are ready, it’s time to harvest the foxglove seeds. Start by cutting off the seed stalks with a pair of clean, sharp scissors. Be sure to place a container or bag underneath the seed stalk to catch any seeds that may fall during the process.

Once you’ve collected the seed stalks, it’s time to remove the seeds from the pods. You can do this by gently rubbing the pods between your fingers or using a clean, dry cloth to rub the pods. The seeds should come out easily.

Drying Foxglove Seed

After harvesting the seeds, it’s important to dry them thoroughly before storing or sowing them. Spread the seeds out on a clean, dry surface, such as a baking sheet or paper towel. Place the seeds in a warm, well-ventilated area and let them air dry for several days. Stir them occasionally to ensure they dry evenly.

Once the seeds are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to sow them.

Sowing Foxglove Seeds

Now that you have your dried foxglove seeds, it’s time to sow them. Foxglove seeds need to be stratified, which means they need a period of cold temperatures to germinate properly. This can be achieved by sowing them outdoors in the fall or by placing them in the refrigerator for several weeks before sowing them.

When you’re ready to sow the seeds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and debris. Foxgloves prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them lightly with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. Water the seeds gently and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to 12 to 18 inches apart. This helps prevent overcrowding and ensures that each plant has enough space to grow and thrive.

Caring for Foxglove Plants

Foxgloves are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive. Make sure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider mulching around the base of the plants to help protect them from freezing temperatures. Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from going to seed too quickly.

Foxglove plant

Collecting and sowing foxglove seed is a simple and rewarding process that can yield beautiful results in your garden. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning blooms of foxglove year after year.

digitalis purpurea, perennial plants, gardening tips, seed propagation, biennials, flower gardening