Excelsior Mix, Digitalis Seed

Excelsior Mix Foxglove Seed

Elegant tubular spires thrive in moist, shaded gardens
Alternating colors create a richly layered vertical display
Tall plants bring structure to borders and woodland edges
Deer-resistant blooms provide dramatic cottage-garden character

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Digitalis purpurea

Days to maturity

125 Days

Sun

Partial

Packet

20 Seeds

Zones 4–9 Check your growing zone

About Excelsior Mix, Foxglove Seed, Foxglove Seed

The Excelsior Mix Digitalis is a tall and elegant flower that produces a very lovely mixture of tubular flowers alternating in color. This variety also serves as a good border flower. The Excelsior Mix does very well in moist, shady areas where little else grows!

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Top of Soil

Days to Germination

14–21 days

Germination Type

D - Surface Sow

In-row plant spacing

24"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Biennial

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

281,250

Color

Multicolor

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Before planting Foxglove, select a site with morning sun or bright partial shade, protection from harsh afternoon heat, and moist but well-drained soil. Incorporate compost and prepare a fine, weed-free bed without burying tree roots or creating soggy conditions. Confirm any seed chilling or light-germination requirement before sowing foxglove.

Planting

Sow foxglove outdoors in fall or start indoors according to its germination requirement; many perennial species benefit from a cool period before warmth. Maintain even moisture during germination and provide bright light after emergence. Harden indoor-grown seedlings before planting outdoors. Transplant while young to minimize root disturbance, and thin direct sowings after sturdy true leaves develop.

Watering

Provide consistent moisture for foxglove without saturating the soil. Water at the base before plants wilt, increasing frequency during heat, wind, or peak flowering.

Fertilizer

Fertilize foxglove modestly as new spring growth begins, following soil-test recommendations. Stop after midsummer so late tender growth does not reduce winter hardiness.

Harvesting

Foxglove flowers are ready when stems are firm and blooms show mature color without fading. Cut during cool, dry conditions; for seed, leave selected heads until brown and dry.

Tips

Foxglove is highly toxic if eaten. Wear gloves when handling plants, keep them away from children and pets, and allow selected flower stalks to set seed only where volunteer seedlings are wanted.

Pests & Diseases

Anthracnose, leaf spots, powdery mildew, Botrytis, and crown rot occur on foxglove. Remove badly spotted first-year rosettes rather than carrying disease into flowering season. Keep crowns uncovered by mulch, avoid saving seed from blighted spikes, and discard plants that collapse from a dark or softened crown.

Foxglove can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.