How to Grow Foxglove Sutton's Apricot
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Foxglove Sutton's Apricot
Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot'
flowerSutton's Apricot is a stunning biennial foxglove variety featuring tall spires of soft apricot-colored tubular flowers with spotted throats. This cultivar grows 4-5 feet tall and produces dense flower clusters that bloom over several weeks in late spring to early summer. It's a classic cottage garden plant that attracts pollinators and makes an excellent cut flower.
When should you plant Foxglove Sutton's Apricot in your zone?
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Example Foxglove Sutton's Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Foxglove Sutton's Apricot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Foxglove Sutton's Apricot blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler climates and may struggle in hot, humid conditions of zones 9+
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Get my Foxglove Sutton's Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Germination & Seedling
10-14 days germination; 4-6 weeks to true leaf stageTiny seedlings emerge with delicate cotyledons; very small and vulnerable; requires humid conditions and bright indirect light
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light (not direct sun); maintain 65-70°F; thin seedlings to prevent crowding; use a grow light if necessary
First-Year Rosette
4-8 months (summer to late fall)Plant forms a low basal rosette of lance-shaped, fuzzy gray-green leaves; growth appears slow and non-dramatic
Water regularly but avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; ensure good drainage; provide consistent light; no flowers appear this year—this is normal
Overwintering
2-4 months (November to February)Rosette becomes dormant in cold months; leaves may take on deeper color; plant rests underground with minimal visible activity
Reduce watering significantly; provide cold exposure for vernalization (frost helps trigger flowering); avoid heavy mulch that traps moisture; protect from extreme cold with light leaf cover in zones 3-4
Elongation & Bud Formation
4-6 weeks (March to April)In spring of year two, central flowering stem rapidly elongates; flower buds begin forming along the spike from bottom to top
Increase watering as growth resumes; tall plants may benefit from staking; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; ensure adequate light and air circulation
Flowering & Pollination
4-6 weeks (May to June)Tall spikes (4-5 feet) covered with 50-100+ tubular apricot flowers with spotted throats; flowers open sequentially from bottom to top over 2-3 weeks
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued bloom; stake plants if necessary; maintain consistent moisture; monitor for pests; enjoy frequent pollinator visits; cut flowers for arrangements last 1-2 weeks in water
Seed Set & Senescence
2-4 weeks (late June to July)Flowers fade and seed pods develop; plant gradually weakens as energy goes into seed production; leaves yellow and wither
Allow some flowers to set seed if self-sowing desired; deadhead others to save energy; stop fertilizing; reduce watering; allow plant to naturally decline
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or neem oil; choose resistant varieties; thin crowded plants
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Remove infected leaves promptly; improve drainage and air flow; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if severe; ensure plant spacing
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; apply neem oil in early morning or evening
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil; ensure adequate watering to reduce stress
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; remove hiding places; encourage ground beetles
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Hand-remove affected seed pods; cut and burn heavily infested plants; monitor in late summer
Uses
Not edible - toxic plant
CulinaryFoxglove is highly toxic in all parts and must never be consumed. However, it's an excellent for cut flower arrangements and adding height and drama to fresh bouquets. [source]
Traditional cardiac medicine source
MedicinalFoxglove contains cardiac glycosides (digitoxin and digoxin) that have been used medicinally for heart conditions for centuries. Modern pharmaceutical digoxin is derived from Digitalis species and remains an FDA-approved cardiac drug, though the plant itself is too dangerous for home use. [source]
Premium cut flower
HouseholdThe tall spikes of apricot flowers are highly prized by florists and gardeners for dramatic arrangements, cottage garden bouquets, and wedding displays. Flowers last 1-2 weeks in water and add vertical interest and color to any arrangement. [source]
Seed saving and heirloom preservation
CraftFoxglove readily self-seeds and produces abundant seeds in papery pods, making it excellent for seed saving, heirloom gardening, and creating naturalized drifts. One mature plant can produce thousands of seeds. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeThe tubular flowers with spotted guide marks attract bees, hoverflies, and bumblebees throughout the blooming period. The upright spikes provide excellent nectar sources for spring pollinators in cottage gardens and wildflower landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower spikes in early morning when lower flowers are open and upper buds are tight; use sharp scissors and cut at least 6 inches of stem; flowers open sequentially in the vase over 1-2 weeks; change water every 2-3 days; add flower food to extend vase life to 10-14 days. For seeds, allow flowers to fully fade on plant; when seed pods turn brown and papery, cut entire spike and hang upside down in paper bag to dry; collect seeds when pods split open
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The spotted markings inside foxglove flowers are called 'nectar guides'—they evolved specifically to direct bees to the nectar and pollen, appearing as a runway for pollinators
- 🌱 Foxglove is a biennial, meaning it only flowers in its second year; many gardeners deadhead some flowers to allow self-seeding so they have volunteers returning each year for continuous color
- 🌱 Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' was developed by the famous seed company Suttons Seeds in England and represents decades of selective breeding for that perfect soft apricot color
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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