Commonly known as the Strawberry Foxglove. This very compact variety produces neat flower spikes with huge, eye-catching strawberry-rose bells. A vigorous variety which is sure to make any early season garden shine, as well as attracting nectar-loving bees. Digitalis Summer King is a naturally occurring cross between the yellow-flowered Digitalis grandiflora and lavender-rose-flowered Digitalis purpurea.
Sow January to May. Sow seed on the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed compost and place at a temperature of 18-29C (65-85F). Lightly cover the seed with vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-30 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 45-60cm (18-24in) apart.
All parts are poisonous