Digitalis purpurea, 'Dalmatian Purple'

Germination

Sow indoors, under glass or directly. Sow indoors or under glass from March. Surface sow onto a tray of moist well-drained seed compost. Lightly press the seeds into the compost. Do not cover with soil as light is required for germination. Ideal temp. 15-20°C. Germination takes 14-21 days. Prick out seedlings when well grown. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Can be sown directly from Apr-Sept. Sow onto prepared soil. Press the seeds gently into the soil. Keep watered until germination occurs.

Growing

Easy to grow. Prefers partial sun but will grow in full sun. Avoid very wet or very dry situations. Apply compost each spring. A 5cm deep application of mulch will suppress weeds. Water during summer if there has not been much rainfall. Tall plants may benefit from staking.

Cultivation

Remove central flower spike to encourage side shoots, cut central shoot off at its base. Deadhead if you do not want it to self-seed. To harvest seed allow flowers to wither and remove seeds from the central stalk. Store in a cool place. If you removed the central stalk to promote side shoots you will not be able to harvest seed.