Annual Foxgloves 23 March 2022 at 1:25PM in Greenfingered MoneySaving 9 replies 243 views

twopenny

I picked up a packet of these. It says the first annual foxglove. Quick to grow from winter sowing. Neat dwarf plants.
Has anyone tried them?
I'm wondering if there are any hints or tips on growing them. 
Dwarf, does that mean half height? Or are they tiddly?

Farway

Only tip I can give is they make ideal snacks for snails so I'd start in p[ots & keep an eye on them

My bog standard foxgloves self seed but only a few ever see adulthood, which I suppose s why foxgloves have a trilion seeds in every pod

twopenny

Lol that's true Farway.

I thought I had a free one in the front hedge but lost the roots when digging out. Then one on the side path. I've yet to move. Nowhere near where I put proper foxgloves in 3yrs ago.

Yes, I was going to be good this year and start some annuals in pots. I did wonder if they had the same tough leaves as the wild ones but I guess it's a case of try it and see.

sheramber

It should tell you on the packet how tall they grow

twopenny

I was about to say 'dwarf' and had another look.
Last bit of tiny print I read 24 inches lol.
They are going in my tiny woodland area in the far corner so it will make it look distant and the garden bigger.
That's the theory.

Alfrescodave

What does it say on the packet regarding sowing times? I thought they had a long growing time so should have been planted months ago in order to acheive flowers this year.

Woolsery

Alfrescodave said:

What does it say on the packet regarding sowing times? I thought they had a long growing time so should have been planted months ago in order to acheive flowers this year.

" 'Foxy' is an ANNUAL foxglove. If sown indoors late winter/early spring it flowers in summer."

From T&M's blurb.

Mind you, T&M are known to bre optimists!

twopenny

Ah well, planted them today.
Warm and sunny 2hrs ago. Now it's grey black and freezing.
Yes, they are T&M, must have been a mad moment at the garden centre as I usually don't go for the fancy stuff.

Alfrescodave

Please return in autumn (?) and let us know how successful you've been. We've all been seduced by suppliers claims but it's fun to try something new.  

I'll certainly have a go with these annual foxgloves but I think I'll start them off indoors next Jan/Feb so that they'll have a long growing time.

twopenny

Of course.
But we've yet to get past the cold snap, the slugs (I'm guessing they'll be tender unlike their cousins) and the heat waves