As the flower stalks fade, the foliage can also start to die back, and deadheading will help to extend the life of the plant.
But if you don’t mind them looking a bit ragged and aren’t bothered about self-seeding, you don’t ever need to bother doing anything.
When to Deadhead
Figuring out when to deadhead is the easiest part of the process. Does the plant have a flower stalk and has it dropped most or all of the blossoms? It’s time to go!
You can cut off the flower stalk anytime you want, but if you wait until the flowers look droopy but before they drop from the stalk, you’ll prevent the seeds from spreading while still enjoying the full length of the floral display.
How to Make the Cut
Before you do anything, make sure your tools are clean.
Although the plants will generally die after flowering, you still want to make sure you’re not spreading disease in the garden by using dirty tools.
Wipe pruners or scissors with isopropyl alcohol, a 10 percent bleach solution, or wash them in hot, soapy water.
Cut the stalk down as close to the base as you can. If you’re worried about the seeds scattering as you make your cut, cover the stalk with a plastic bag to catch the seeds.
That’s it!
Grow Foxier Flowers
Foxgloves don’t ask for much in the way of maintenance, but we can always offer them a little support to help keep them in shape and make the garden look tidier.
Are you growing these dramatic flowers? Do you deadhead them? Let us know in the comments section below!
And for more information about growing foxgloves in your garden, add these guides to your reading list next: