Foxglove Seeds - Alba Seeds

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Alba is a striking variety known for its pure white flowers and elegant, tall spikes. This variety adds a touch of classic beauty to any garden, with its bell-shaped blooms that stand out against dark green foliage. Perfect for borders, shaded areas, or woodland gardens, Foxglove Alba is a must-have for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow perennial that attracts pollinators and offers vertical interest.

Key Benefits

• Pure White Flowers: Features elegant, bell-shaped, pure white flowers that provide a classic, timeless look in any garden.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Foxgloves are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making this a great plant for a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Tall, Elegant Blooms: Grows tall spikes covered in a multitude of flowers, adding height and a vertical element to garden beds and borders.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Foxglove Alba is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires little care, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
• Perennial Growth: Foxglove is a biennial or short-lived perennial that will continue to self-seed and return year after year.

Variety Features

• Plant Height: Grows to a height of 2–3 feet (60–90 cm), perfect for adding vertical height to garden beds, borders, or containers.
• Flower Color: Pure white flowers with a soft, bell-shaped form. The blooms have a classic look, contrasting beautifully with the dark green foliage.
• Flower Shape: The flowers are tubular and bell-shaped, clustered along tall flower spikes that bloom from the bottom up.
• Foliage: Large, broad leaves form a rosette at the base, creating a lush green backdrop for the striking white flowers.
• Growth Habit: Biennial or short-lived perennial. It typically flowers in its second year but can self-seed for continued growth in subsequent years.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors after the last frost.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Lightly press the seeds into the soil as foxglove seeds require light to germinate. Do not cover them with soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to ensure good airflow and prevent overcrowding.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Incorporating compost or organic matter can enhance soil fertility.
• Sunlight: Foxglove Alba thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for light shade in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells. Water regularly during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to promote healthy growth. A light feeding during the growing season can also enhance bloom production.

Mulching

• Use mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and keep the roots cool.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and keep the plant looking tidy. After the blooms have finished, cut back the flower spikes to the base.

Harvesting

• Flowers: Foxglove flowers can be cut for floral arrangements when fully open. Harvest early in the morning when the flowers are still fresh.
• Seeds: Allow the flowers to go to seed after blooming. Once the seed pods dry, collect them for future planting.

Storage

• Seeds: Store collected seeds in a cool, dry place, preferably in paper envelopes or small containers, to protect them from moisture and maintain their viability. They can be stored for 1–2 years.

Conclusion

Foxglove Alba is a timeless and elegant addition to any garden. Its pure white blooms stand out beautifully against green foliage, creating a stunning visual effect. Ideal for pollinator gardens, shaded areas, or as a vertical accent in borders, this variety is easy to grow and care for. With minimal effort, Foxglove Alba will grace your garden with its classic beauty year after year, providing long-lasting blooms and attracting beneficial wildlife.