Foxglove Seeds - Excelsior Mix Seeds

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Excelsior Mix is a stunning blend of tall, stately plants that grace gardens with their elegant spires of tubular flowers. This mix includes a variety of colors, ranging from soft pinks and purples to deeper shades of red and white, making it a versatile and eye-catching addition to any garden. Foxgloves are well-loved for their beauty, their ability to attract pollinators, and their medicinal properties. The Excelsior Mix variety is particularly prized for its vigorous growth and impressive blooms.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Color Range: A mix of beautiful, bell-shaped flowers in an array of colors including shades of pink, purple, white, and red.
• Attracts Pollinators: Known for attracting bees and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.
• Tall, Dramatic Growth: Foxgloves grow to impressive heights, creating vertical interest in garden beds, borders, or containers.
• Long Blooming Period: Flowers appear from late spring to early summer, providing a long-lasting burst of color.
• Medicinal Uses: Historically used in herbal medicine (though should be used with caution, as the plant is toxic if ingested improperly).

Variety Features

• Plant Height: Excelsior Mix plants grow between 3–5 feet tall, depending on growing conditions.
• Flower Color: A mix of colors, including pink, purple, white, and red, with each flower spike offering a striking array of colors.
• Flower Shape: Tubular, bell-shaped flowers that form dense, upright spikes.
• Foliage: The plant has large, lance-shaped, deep green leaves that provide a rich backdrop to the colorful blooms.
• Growth Habit: Biennial, meaning it flowers in the second year of growth, though it often self-seeds to continue producing new plants.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost. Alternatively, sow directly outdoors after the last frost when the soil is warm.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Foxglove seeds require light for germination, so scatter the seeds lightly over the soil and press them down gently. Do not cover them with soil.
• Spacing: Space the plants about 12–18 inches apart to allow for ample air circulation and to prevent overcrowding.
• Soil Requirements: Foxgloves prefer rich, well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) is ideal.
• Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade. They thrive in areas with dappled sunlight or light shade in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Foxgloves prefer consistently moist conditions, especially during their growing and blooming periods.

Fertilization

• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy foliage and vibrant blooms. A light application of compost or organic matter can also improve soil quality and plant vigor.

Mulching

• Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This is especially beneficial in warmer climates.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a longer blooming season. After the first flowering season, cut back any remaining stems to ground level to encourage new growth.

Harvesting

• Flowers: Foxglove flowers are often used in cut flower arrangements. Cut stems early in the morning when the flowers are fresh for the longest vase life.
• Seeds: Allow the flowers to go to seed after blooming if you want to collect seeds for the following year. Once the seed pods dry, collect them and store in a cool, dry place.

Storage

• Seeds: Store seeds in a cool, dry place, preferably in a paper envelope or container to protect them from moisture. Seeds typically remain viable for 1–2 years if stored correctly.

Medicinal Uses

• Caution: While Foxglove is known for its medicinal properties, especially in relation to heart health, it is highly toxic if not used properly. It contains compounds that can have serious health risks if consumed improperly. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using it medicinally.

Conclusion

Foxglove Excelsior Mix is a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden. Its tall, vibrant flower spikes provide dramatic vertical interest and a stunning range of colors throughout the summer. This mix is perfect for pollinator gardens and adds elegance to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. While its medicinal history is notable, this plant should be handled with care due to its toxic properties. A must-have for gardeners seeking a striking and long-lasting bloom, Foxglove Excelsior Mix will elevate any landscape with its charm.