Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
An ornamental plant, planted March to May or August to November, or sown May to June.
In September: nothing to do. It can be planted now. Always wear gloves to handle the plants and seeds: they are highly toxic if eaten.
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Foxglove, month by month
Bar: the usual months. Sprout: this month.
| Sowing, planting or job | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | 2027Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow under cover. | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | none | none |
| Sow outdoors. | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | none | none | none |
| Plant out. | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual |
| Plant a pot-grown foxglove. | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none |
| Clear away the dead foxglove stems and leaves. | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | none | none | none | none | none |
| Deadhead the foxglove. | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | usual |
What to do, and when
The usual months for a UK garden. Your own plan gives the week.
Handle it with care
Always wear gloves to handle the plants and seeds: they are highly toxic if eaten.
Strong source: RHS.
Sowing and planting
Sow under cover May to June, on the surface. Moderate source: RHS.
Sow outdoors in May, on the surface, 30 to 35cm apart. Strong sources: RHS and Gardeners’ World.
Plant out in August, 30 to 35cm apart. Strong source: RHS.
Plant a pot-grown foxglove March to May, and September to November, 30 to 35cm apart. Moderate source: RHS.
Clear away the dead foxglove stems and leaves
Cut out winter damage, yellowing leaves and old seedheads at the base.
Usually March. Moderate source: RHS.
Deadhead the foxglove
Usually June to August. Moderate source: Sarah Raven.
What the source words mean
Strong: the RHS page for this plant is among them.Moderate: another trusted UK source, or the RHS on its group.
Every line above names the page it comes from. Where we found no good source for a job, we left it out. Where the name “Foxglove” comes from.