A Closer Look At Foxglove Seedlings: What Do They Look Like?

As a gardener have you ever wondered what foxglove seedlings look like when they first emerge? Many of us are familiar with the tall, majestic towers of bell-shaped blooms that foxgloves produce. But what about the tiny seedlings that eventually grow into those regal beauties?

In this article we’ll take a closer look at foxglove seedlings so you know what to look for when these biennials first sprout. Understanding the appearance growing habits, and care requirements of foxglove seedlings sets you up for success in cultivating a thriving patch of these stunning perennials.

What Do Foxglove Seedlings Look Like?

Foxglove seedlings have some distinctive features that set them apart from other common seedlings. Here are the key characteristics to look for:

• Color – Typically a dark green with a faint white stripe down the center of the first true leaves (cotyledons). May have purplish overtones on stems/leaves.

• Shape – The cotyledons are oval shaped with a tapered point on the end. True leaves are oblong in shape.

• Size – Cotyledons measure about 1/4 inch long. The first true leaves are under an inch long.

• Stem – Slender, sometimes with a reddish or purple tinge. Covered in fine hairs.

• Leaves – First leaves (cotyledons) are nearly round with shallow lobes. True leaves are oblong, toothed, and hairy.

• Growth Habit – Seedlings have a rosette form with leaves arranged in a ring close to the soil surface.

In the beginning, foxglove seedlings concentrate their energy on root and leaf growth. So at first glance, they may not look particularly distinctive. But the oval-shaped cotyledons and hairy oblong true leaves identify them as foxgloves.

Foxglove Seed Germination

Foxglove seeds need light to germinate successfully. If planting indoors, sow seeds on the soil surface and do not cover them. When sowing outdoors, choose a site with partial shade to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.

Moist stratification of the seeds for 3-4 weeks before planting can help speed up germination. Soak seeds overnight and store dampened seeds in the refrigerator prior to planting.

Once sown, foxglove seeds take 10-15 days to germinate when soil temperatures range between 60-70°F. Cooler soils lengthen the time to emergence. Use bottom heat or a heated propagation mat to maintain optimal temperatures if starting seeds indoors.

Carefully water to keep seeds and seedlings consistently moist, but not saturated. Tiny seedlings rapidly desiccate in dry soils. Shelter outdoor plantings to reduce drying from wind and intense sunlight.

Early Growth and Development

Cotyledons emerge first from the germinating seed. These oval-shaped first leaves are unlike the true leaves that follow. About a week after the cotyledons expand, the first set of true leaves unfurl.

These early true leaves are oblong with a slightly toothed margin. Both the cotyledons and leaves are covered in fine, soft hairs at this stage. The foliage takes on a grayish appearance from the hairy covering on the leaves.

When the second set of true leaves appears, foxglove enters the rosette stage of growth. The short stem produces a tight ring of leaves at soil level during this juvenile phase. As the weather warms in spring, the rosette sends up a taller, upright stem and flowering commences in late spring or early summer.

Proper care now focuses on fostering healthy, sustained growth to support future bloom spikes.

Requirements for Care & Growth

While foxglove seedlings don’t need much pampering, providing good growing conditions makes a difference in their vigor. Here are the key requirements for robust seedlings:

• Sunlight – At least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily supports strong growth. Morning sun is ideal.

• Soil – Rich, moist, well-draining soil is essential. Amend native soils with compost or leaf mold.

• Water – Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce frequency once established.

• Spacing – Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart to prevent overcrowding and competition.

• Fertilizer – Apply balanced organic fertilizer monthly once seedlings are established.

• Maintenance – Weed and remove dead leaves often. Monitor for slugs, snails, and foliar diseases.

With proper care, foxglove seedlings transform over summer from tiny sprouts into sizable juvenile plants by late summer. The young plants bulk up in preparation for putting on a spectacular show the following season.

Overwintering Foxglove Rosettes

The first winter is critical for young foxglove plants to survive in areas with cold winters. Establish seedlings early in the growing season for the best chance of successfully overwintering them.

Here are some tips to help foxglove seedlings make it through the first winter:

• Select a protected area out of excessive wind and winter sunlight.

• Provide winter mulch after the ground freezes. A 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves is ideal.

• Wait to apply mulch until plants go dormant once temperatures cool in fall.

• Check for heaving of plants during freeze/thaw cycles and re-firm any lifted plants.

• Remove mulch in spring once new growth resumes to prevent rotting.

• Avoid excessive spring fertilization which can push tender growth too early.

Take steps to prevent winter desiccation and alternate freezing/thawing. This gives seedlings the best odds of sailing through to their first bloom season.

When Do Foxgloves Bloom From Seed?

Foxgloves are biennials, taking two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. The seedling forms a rosette in the first year as it establishes an extensive root system. Then in year two, the plant sends up flower stalks in late spring.

So foxglove seedlings typically won’t flower until their second year of growth. But the wait is worth it when those majestic towers of blooms open their bells in an array of colors.

Give your foxglove seedlings a full growing season to develop robust roots and foliage before their first winter. This gives them the energy needed to flower profusely the following year. A little patience goes a long way in enjoying foxgloves at their blooming best.

Troubleshooting Problems with Foxglove Seedlings

Foxglove seedlings are not difficult to grow if you attend to their basic requirements. But occasionally problems arise that can compromise the seedlings. Here are some potential issues and solutions:

• Damping off – Stems blacken at soil line and seedlings topple over. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Allow the soil surface to dry between waterings. Disinfect containers and tools with a bleach solution.

• Leggy growth – Seedlings stretch toward light and look spindly. Provide adequate sunlight and use grow lights to supplement natural daylight for indoor plants.

• Leaf spots – Brown, black, or yellow spots develop on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Remove diseased leaves promptly. Treat with an organic fungicide if spots are widespread.

• Slugs & snails – Leaves are chewed or have large holes. Use organic slug bait, remove hiding spots in the garden, and hand pick these pests to protect plants.

Catch problems early before they slow down seedling establishment. Taking quick corrective action keeps foxglove seedlings growing strongly.

Success with Growing Foxgloves from Seed

Starting foxgloves from seed may take some patience, but the results are so rewarding. You’ll gain a new appreciation for these statuesque beauties when you nurture them from seedlings.

Now you know how to identify foxglove seedlings by their distinct characteristics. Giving them proper care and growing conditions will set them up for success. Before you know it, those tiny seed leaves give rise to glorious towers of flowers.

For more gardening tips:

• Exploring the Medicinal Benefits of the Chinese Foxglove

• How to Successfully Transplant Foxglove for Optimal Growth

• Taming Wild Weeds: Tips for Controlling Weeds Around Foxglove