The Foxglove is a majestic biennial wildflower, famous for the tall, stately spires of flowers it produces in its second year. These impressive spikes are densely packed with large, tubular, bell-shaped blooms in shades of purple and pink, each with a beautifully spotted throat. They are a classic feature of cottage and woodland gardens and provide a vital source of nectar for long-tongued bees. Please note that all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

To grow from seed, sow the fine Foxglove seeds onto the surface of a pot or tray filled with moist compost, as they require light to germinate. Do not cover the seeds with soil, but press them gently into the surface to ensure good contact. Keep the container in a warm, bright spot at around 15-20°C. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully prick them out into individual pots to grow on before gradually acclimatising them to outdoor conditions.

Choose a final planting site in partial or dappled shade with moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil. Space the young plants about 30-45cm apart, allowing them room to form their initial rosette of leaves. No support or feeding is required. After the floral display, the spikes can be left to mature and self-seed to create a naturalised colony for the future, or cut down to prevent this. Always handle with care, as all parts of the plant are toxic.

Please Note: The image(s) shown are for illustrative purposes only. The listed number of seeds is an approximate value, and the packet size may vary slightly.