This biennial grows 3-5′ tall and does well in part shade. Colors of the stately, gloxinia-like, blooms are white, cream, purple, pink, and primrose. Start plants in June for blooms the following June. They self-seed, so a permanent planting is soon established.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Digitalis purpurea

Biennial, zone 4-8

Germination:14-21days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 65-70F

Seed Planting Depth:Sow on the surface andpress seeds into the soil, seeds need light to germinate

Starting Indoors:Start indoors8-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70F soil temperature. Transplant after last frost, 12 apart

Sowing Outdoors:Direct sow outdoors after the last frost. Sow lightly, thin to 12″ apart

Growth Habit:Columnar

Height and Width:48-60″ by 12-18″

Spacing:12” apart

Light Needs:Full sun to part shade

Soil Needs:Fertile, moist, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed:Blooms in the second season

Uses:Cut flowers, bedding plants, cottage gardens, attracts pollinators

Care:Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting.Cut back stems as the blooms fade, this encourages more flower production.Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks.