Forum home› Tools and techniques
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Harvesting Foxglove seeds

LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
in Tools and techniques
Hi all,

l was given a foxglove plant by my dad in spring which flowered nicely (I kept it in a small pot) and l then moved to a sheltered spot once it stopped flowering. I had a look at it this morning  and it looks like the seed heads are opening.



Should I start to collect seeds now? And should I sow them immediately? And will they need to be kept indoors over winter? I have a couple of cold frames but no greenhouse. I'm assuming that anything l grow wont be ready to plant until next year, springtime?

Thanks!
I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
«134

Posts

  • GemmaJFGemmaJF Posts: 2,286
    They are ready when they knock out easily. Give it a tap and see if seeds start to fall out. If they do, the easiest way is put a plastic bag over the whole stem, that is larger enough to take the full length, then cut it and shake into the bag.

    I generally sow in January in a propagator, though it may mostly be so I don't have lots of pots of small plants to worry about all winter.  :)
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    Thanks @GemmaJF, I'll give that a try. I'd rather wait until Jan too if I'm honest!
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • GemmaJFGemmaJF Posts: 2,286
    I think some people sow late summer/autumn in the hope of getting them to flower the following year. Seems a bit of a faff. I've never minded waiting for foxgloves and allowing them to develop in pots for the first year for putting out the next.
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    @GemmaJF of course, it's biennial, the most frustrating of the flower types 🙈
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    @GemmaJF what size of pot do you keep them in for that first year?
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Sow now for Autumn planting is common with foxgloves.

    Those I didn't plant last Autumn I kept in 1 litre pots over the winter and planted in spring.
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    Thanks @Dirty Harry, I might give both methods a try assuming I manage to salvage some seeds!

    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    I let them self seed and move seedlings as needed. Sometimes, I sprinkle them where I want them. I see it as many times easier than sowing seeds and caring for seedlings.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The easiest way to sow foxglove seed is just to sprinkle them where you want them, as @edhelka describes. It's how it works naturally. 

    Just thin as required, or move. They're very accommodating.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    edited July 2020
    thanks @edhelka & @Fairygirl. It's currently in the pot it was given to me in. I have a corner in the back of a bed I could go and stick it in, would that work? It would be on the NE side of a fence.

    My worry about doing it this way is that I wouldn't know the difference between a foxglove seedling and a weed!! 😂
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
Sign In or Register to comment.