Foxglove Digitalis EXCELSIOR MIX Sun/Shade HUMMINGBIRDS LOVE Biennial Non-GMO 400 Seeds

100% Pure Seed ? Non-GMO ? Fresh for this season ? Safe Seed Pledge

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Note: Normally we would sell 100 seeds, however since Foxglove seeds are so tiny we send you 500 in case you drop some or some blow away!

• Foxglove
• (Digitalis purpurea)
• Old Fashioned
• This lovely, old-fashioned plant will attract hummingbirds to the garden and readily self-sows.
• Low-growing foliage is topped by 2 to 3 foot flower spikes in June in varying colors of purple, pink, white and cream.
• Plants may re-bloom if spent flower stalks are cut back after blooming.
• The dried leaves are the principal source of the drug digitalis, a potent heart medicine, making the plant poisonous to animals and humans.
• This classic Foxglove, is familiar to nearly every flower lover and horticulture enthusiast around.
• This stately biennial is adaptable to full sun or partial shade and prefers moist feet.
• A staple of the cottage garden look, Foxglove can find a place in nearly any garden design.
• Famous medicinal (used for heart medicine), Foxglove blooms in light shade up to 5 ft. Biennial.

FAST FACTS

• Common Name:  Foxglove
•  Botanical Name:  Digitalis purpurea
•  Seed Life Cycle:  Biennial
•  Light Requirements:  Half Sun / Half Shade, Full Shade
•  Flower Color :  Mixed Pastel Colors
•  Bloom Time:   Summer
•  Mature Height: 24-48" tall
•  Ships As:  Seed
•  Ideal Region :  Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest
•  Zones:  3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
•  Non-GMO:  Yes
•  Native To:  Europe, naturalized in US Pacific Northwest
• Advantages   :
• Attract Butterflies
• Attract Hummingbirds
• Attract Birds
• Bee Friendly
• Deer Resistant
• Rabbit Resistant
• Low Maintenance
• Good For Cut Flowers
• Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks)
• Great For Mass Plantings
• Multiplies / Naturalizes
• Light Requirements - half-sun--half-shadeHalf Sun / Half Shade or Full Shade
• Soil Type     
•  Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Clay Soil, Moist/Wet Soil
•  Soil Moisture         
•  Average, Moist / Wet, Well Draining
•  Advantages:  Attract Butterflies, Attract Hummingbirds, Attract Birds, Bee Friendly, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Low Maintenance, Good For Cut Flowers, Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks), Great For Mass Plantings, Multiplies / Naturalizes
• Mature Height         24-48" tall
• Bloom Time  Summer

PLANTING DIRECTIONS

When to Plant Foxglove Seeds

Direct sow after all threat of frost has passed, up to early Summer. Can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the final frost date.

Where to Plant Foxglove Seeds

Foxglove prefers Full Sun, but can tolerate Partial Shade conditions. In warmer climates, Partial Shade can be preferable. Choose an area with some wind protection, as regular wind exposure can impact the growth pattern.

How to Plant Foxglove Seeds

The first step is to cold stratify your seeds. Then, moisten soil and hand scatter seeds onto the surface approximately every 12-18 inches, and compress seeds onto the surface. Do not cover the seeds, as they require sunlight in order to germinate. Once seedlings develop two or more leaves, thin growth back to every 12-18 inches. Choose rich, loamy, well-draining soil that's slightly acidic - you may wish to Amend with organic matter as well.

How to Care for Foxglove Seeds

After your plants have established, add a layer of mulch in order to aid in retaining moisture. You can leave this mulch overwinter as well to insulate the roots for the following season as well. As a tall-grower, Foxglove will likely need staking. If you want your Foxglove to self sow, be sure not to deadhead your flowers when they're spent.

HOW TO COLD STRATIFY YOUR SEEDS

Stratification of seeds is the process of exposing seeds to cold conditions in order to encourage germination.

The exact process you choose (there are two options) depends on the flower variety you?re growing. Let us explain! The different processes are defined below.

Cold Stratification 

Planting in Fall

If time is not a problem, nature itself can cold stratify your seeds. Just place them in the ground in fall and let them go through a winter. They will sprout next year, but not flower. The following year, having gone through two winters, the flowers will return and bloom as expected. Some varieties like poppies and coneflowers will bloom the first year.

Creating a False Winter

The second way to cold stratify seeds (especially if you want to save time!) is to create a false winter. This method tricks the seeds into thinking they have been in the cold ground, when they?ve actually been chilling in your refrigerator. The refrigeration times will vary by variety, so check the planting guide for your seed before beginning.

Before spring, place seeds in a plastic bag with a handful of slightly dampened clean peat, paper towels, or a mix of clean peat and sand. Seal and label the bag with your seed name and the date, then store the bag in the refrigerator (not freezer!) before planting in spring. 

Once your seed has been treated, it?s ready to plant when spring arrives.

Cold Moist Stratification

In this technique, you simply add a small step to the process of creating a false winter?add moisture! The method involves dampening the seeds to soften them and allowing them to absorb water. The moisture helps spark germination. 

Place seeds in a plastic bag with a handful of slightly dampened clean peat, paper towels, or a mix of clean peat and sand. You don?t want the seeds to be dripping wet! Place the bag in the refrigerator.  The length of time it remains cold will vary depending on the variety of seed, so be sure to check planting guides for specific timeframes.

Frequently check the bag for mold or fungus. If any are present, plant your seeds right away.