Even if the spirits disagree on the question of the lifespan (biennial or perennial ) of the foxglove, they agree on planting. What must be taken into account?
When is foxglove sown and planted?
Although many foxglove species are considered frost-hardy, this plant should be seeded and planted outside of a period of ground frost. The best time for sowing is in spring or in summer between June and August. At the same time, the foxglove can be planted out from May or in autumn.
Read Also
How is the sowing done?
Foxglove seeds are very delicate and light, so it’s a good idea to mix them with sand before sowing. So they can be distributed more evenly. Caution: They germinate in the light and should either be covered very thinly with soil or just pressed down.
The ideal germination temperature is 18 °C (64F). If you have kept the soil well moist, you will be able to see little plants after about two weeks. Continue to keep the soil moderately moist and place the plants in a partially shaded spot.
After three to four weeks, the young foxglove plants can be planted out if you have grown them in bowls at home. When planting out, it is important to leave a distance of 40 cm (15 inches) in the row and 25 cm ( 10 inches) between the rows.
Which location is suitable for the thimble?
The foxglove likes to grow on forest edges, for example in front of dark coniferous trees or next to ferns. It finds a suitable location in partial shade as well as in the full sun. The situation should not be completely windless, but not stormy either. A slightly airy location is ideal.
The substrate should mimic a healthy forest floor. A moist environment is important. The thimble should not find standing water. The following additional characteristics are important for him:
- profound
- permeable
- rich in humus
- nutritious
- slightly sour
Which plants do well with foxgloves?
Plants that also love partial shade are suitable as plant neighbors at the location. These include, for example, the following plants:
- ornamental grasses
- Delphiniums
- columbines
- silver candles
- Waldsteinia
- elf flowers
- balloon flowers
Tips
Don’t rejoice too soon: Regardless of whether you sow foxgloves in spring or summer, they won’t flower until their second year.
