Foxgloves (genus Digitalis) are popular in cottage-garden planting schemes and loved for their spires of bell-shaped, bee-friendly tubular flowers. Most foxgloves are biennial, which means they put on root and foliage growth in year one, and then flower and set seed in year two, before dying. However, some varieties of foxglove are short-lived perennials.
Digitalis purpurea is native to areas of Western Europe, including the UK. Its purple, pink, red or occasionally white bell flowers with spotted throats are a familiar sight in woodland clearings, heathland and gardens, where they bloom from June to September. Digitalis purpurea is a valuable plant for wildlife. Long-tongued bumblebees feed from the flowers and the leaves provide food for the caterpillars of several moth species.
Bear in mind that all parts of foxgloves are poisonous and can kill an adult human if any part of the plant is ingested. You may want to avoid growing them if you have pets or young children.
The enchanting towers of bell-shaped blooms produced by foxgloves are a beloved sight in gardens and meadows. But before these statuesque beauties grace your landscape, they begin life as tiny, delicate seedlings. So what do foxglove seedlings look like?
As a new gardener, knowing how to identify foxglove seedlings sets you up for success in growing a thriving patch. This detailed guide reveals the distinct features and growing habits of these ethereal plants in their juvenile form.
The First Glimpse of Life
Foxglove seeds germinate to produce dainty seedlings with oval-shaped cotyledons or seed leaves The cotyledons are typically vibrant green with a faint white midrib Sometimes a subtle purplish tint occurs on the stems and leaves.
Key Identifying Traits of Foxglove Seedlings
While young seedlings resemble other plants at first glance, several unique attributes help distinguish foxgloves
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Cotyledon shape – Oval with a tapered point, unlike the round or heart-shaped cotyledons of some plants.
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Leaf arrangement – Cotyledons arranged opposite each other creates symmetry.
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Stem – Slender and often reddish-purple, covered in soft hairs.
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Leaves – Oblong, toothed, and downy like the stem.
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Growth habit – Seedlings form a tidy rosette with leaves clustered at soil level.
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Mature size – Cotyledons measure about 1⁄4 inch long. First true leaves reach just under an inch.
The Early Stages of Growth
About a week after the cotyledons unfurl, the first true leaves emerge. These oblong, toothed leaves spiral around the short stem.
The second set of true leaves signals the transition to the rosette stage. This tight clump of foliage at ground level persists through summer as the taproot expands.
Caring for Foxglove Seedlings
While foxglove seedlings are low maintenance, providing optimal care enhances their vigor:
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Light – At least 4 hours of sun is ideal. Morning light prevents afternoon drought stress.
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Soil – Rich, moist, and well-draining to prevent root rot.
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Water – Keep evenly moist, reducing frequency once established.
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Spacing – Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart to minimize competition.
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Fertilizer – Apply balanced organic fertilizer monthly after seedlings are established.
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Maintenance – Weed and prune dead leaves often. Check for pests like slugs.
With attentive care, seedlings transform over summer into robust juvenile plants ready for winter dormancy.
Distinguishing Foxglove Seedlings from Other Plants
Despite similarities among young plants, observations of key attributes identify foxglove seedlings:
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Oval cotyledons
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Opposite leaf arrangement
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Hairy stems and leaves
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Rosette growth habit
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Herbaceous (non-woody)
Overwintering Foxglove Rosettes
Colder climates require special overwintering care for foxglove seedlings:
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Select a protected, sheltered spot in the garden.
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Apply winter mulch once the ground freezes to prevent frost heaving.
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Remove mulch in spring to avoid rotting new growth.
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Prevent desiccation by shielding plants from winter wind and sunlight.
When Do Foxgloves Bloom After Germinating?
The foxglove’s biennial habit means foxglove seedlings do not flower in their first year. Only after overwintering does the rosette finally send up the long-awaited flower spikes. But the wait is worth it when those spires of blooms appear in year two!
From Seedling to Stunning Flowers
The transformation foxglove seedlings undergo is remarkable. These dainty seed leaves give rise to statuesque towers covered in tubular blossoms.
Now you can readily identify foxglove’s distinct seedlings. A little patience and attentive care will be rewarded with drifts of these cottage garden favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foxglove Seedlings
What does a foxglove seedling look like when it first sprouts?
The first seed leaves or cotyledons are oval-shaped and green with a faint white midrib. Sometimes the leaves show a subtle purple tinge.
How can you tell a foxglove seedling apart from other plants?
The oval cotyledons, opposite leaf arrangement, hairy herbage, and rosette growth habit distinguish foxglove seedlings.
When should you transplant foxglove seedlings?
Carefully transplant seedlings once the 2nd set of true leaves emerges in early summer. Avoid disturbing the taproot.
How much sun do foxglove seedlings need?
At least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily supports vigorous growth. Morning sun is ideal to prevent afternoon wilt.
How long does it take for foxglove seedlings to bloom?
Foxgloves are biennials, so seedlings do not flower until their second year of growth after overwintering.
Are foxglove seedlings poisonous?
Yes, all parts of foxgloves contain cardiac glycosides, even in the seedling stage. Handle with care and keep away from pets.
Conclusion
Identifying the distinct features of foxglove seedlings prepares you to cultivate these iconic flowers successfully. A little time and attentive care transforms those tiny sprouts into a cottage garden highlight. Now you can watch the magical process unfold from delicate seedling to towering flower spike!
How to grow foxgloves
Grow foxgloves in moist but free-draining soil, in full sun to full shade – some varieties are more tolerant of shade than others. Deadhead spent blooms after flowering to encourage a second flush, or let them self-seed over the garden.
Biennial types can be dug up after they have set seed, but perennial foxgloves should be cut back between mid-autumn and spring, ready to bloom again the following year.
More on growing foxgloves:
Find more detailed advice on growing foxgloves below.
When do foxgloves flower?
Perennial foxgloves, such as Digitalis parviflora and Digitalis lanata, flower every year for several years, but biennial species only flower in their second year before setting seed and dying. Most foxgloves flower in late spring and the summer.