How to collect and sow foxglove seed

Foxglove seed ripens in late summer. Cut down the flower stalks before the seed is shed if you don't want unwanted seedlings popping up in your borders, or if you want to save the seed.

Sow the seed as soon as you collect it, so that it's fresh and seedlings are well-developed before winter. Sow in pots of pre-watered seed-sowing compost and keep the pots in a cold frame.

You Will Need

• Secateurs
• 10cm pots
• Seed compost
• Cold frame

Step 1

Cut off the flower spikes with secateurs as the seed capsules turn brown.

Step 2

Shake the capsules and catch the seed that falls. Make sure your hands are dry to stop the seed sticking.

Step 3

Sprinkle the seed evenly over the compost. The seeds need light to germinate, so leave them uncovered.