Can Foxglove Be Grown in Pots?

Selecting Containers

• Foxglove grows tall, so pick a container that can support the flowers both visually and physically. Select a container at least 12 inches wide at the top. Larger planters like half whiskey barrels work well for large plantings. Wood, plastic, metal and ceramic make suitable planters for foxglove and other annuals as long as the container has holes in the bottom to allow water to drain. Keep soil from leaking out the holes by spreading 1/2 an inch of gravel over the bottom of the planter or covering the holes with loosely fitting shells, flat rocks or pieces of broken pottery.

Starting Seeds or Starts

• Start foxglove seeds in a seed flat in spring. Foxglove is biennial. In the first season the plant develops roots and stalks. Flowers appear the second year. Foxglove dies back after the second year of growth. Keep the plants in nursery pots for the first summer and plant them out in patio planters in the fall. You can plant starts, purchased at a nursery or plant retailer, in fall for flowers the following spring.

Growing Medium, Water and Plant Nutrition

• In the garden, foxglove pretty much takes care of itself once you plant it, but in a container they require additional care. Use potting soil rather than garden soil. Potting soil drains well and does not compact like most garden soil. Mix the potting soil with compost at planting time at a rate of 1/3 compost to 2/3 potting soil. Fertilize once a month. Use 10-10-10 fertilizer and apply according to the directions on the package label. Soak container-grown foxglove with water when the top of the soil starts to dry out.

Plant Spacing

• In a long planter, space foxglove six to 12 inches apart for a dense stand of colorful flower stalks. Plant two or three foxglove plants in a single container to add height and color to a deck or outdoor living area. In large planters, use foxglove to add a vertical element behind other, low-growing flowers. Look for dwarf hybrids like the two-foot tall Digitalis x mertonensis

  for containers to keep planters from looking top heavy.