How to Grow Foxgloves (UK guide)
Foxgloves bring architectural height and cottage charm to gardens with their colourful spires. They are easy to grow from seed or young plants and provide valuable nectar for bees and other pollinators.
How to Grow Foxgloves
Foxgloves prefer lightly shaded spots with moist, well-drained soil. Suitable for woodland settings, borders, or large containers, they thrive in partially shaded corners of the garden.
For the Bees
Tall spires, pollinator-friendly, shade tolerant
How to Grow Foxgloves from Seed
- 01Fill a seed tray with moist, fine seed compost
- 02Gently scatter foxglove seeds onto the surface as they need light to germinate
- 03Do not cover seeds with compost but firm them lightly into place
- 04Mist the surface and place the tray in a shaded spot outdoors or under a cold frame
- 05Keep compost moist and thin out seedlings when large enough to handle
You will need
- 01Lightly shaded position
- 02Moist, well-drained soil
- 03Tall support for wind-prone sites
- 04Protection from slugs
- 05Well-spaced planting
Care for Young Foxglove Plants
Start seeds indoors sown thinly in trays or pots. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, pot on individually avoiding root disturbance. Harden off plants for a week before planting out. Space plants 30-45cm apart to allow airflow and reduce disease risk. Monitor for aphids and treat early if needed. Remove flower stalks after blooming to encourage leaf growth and possible second flowering.
Plant Calendar
What Foxgloves Need
Sheltered Partial Shade
Plant foxgloves somewhere that receives dappled light or afternoon shade for best growth.
Moist, Drained Soil
Soil should retain some moisture but drain freely to prevent root rot.
Slug Protection
Young foxglove seedlings are susceptible to slugs and snails, so monitor and protect plants.
Foxgloves FAQs
Foxgloves typically flower from late spring to early summer. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a tidier display and may sometimes promote a second, smaller flush of flowers later in the season.
Foxgloves can be grown in large pots or containers with good drainage holes. Use a deep container at least 30cm wide, filled with quality multi-purpose compost blended with some grit or sand for drainage.
Feed foxgloves with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring as growth begins. For established plants, a light application of liquid feed every few weeks during flowering helps promote healthy blooms.
Foxgloves are generally trouble-free but can be affected by aphids, slugs, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Remove affected leaves and use wildlife-friendly slug deterrents to protect young plants.
COTTAGE: Abundant planting that feels natural and tousled — a mix of flowers, herbs and climbers tumbling together.
