Digitalis purpurea Dalmatian Rose | Foxglove | Pelleted Seeds

Digitalis purpurea Dalmatian Rose is an elegant, early-flowering foxglove with beautiful rose-pink flowers arranged along upright flower spikes. Part of the Dalmatian F1 Series, this variety flowers in the first year from seed without requiring vernalisation.

Valued for its uniform growth and compact, well-branched habit, Dalmatian Rose grows approximately 41–51 cm tall. It is ideal for cottage gardens, perennial borders, mixed flower beds and larger containers.

Plant Information

Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea
Common Name: Common Foxglove
Series: Dalmatian F1
Variety: Rose
Plant Type: Short-lived perennial
Flower Colour: Rose pink
Flowering: First year from seed
Vernalisation: Not required
Blooming Season: Late spring to summer
Plant Habit: Upright, compact and well-branched
Height: 41–51 cm
Width: 30–36 cm
Spacing: 30 cm
Exposure: Sun
Hardiness Zones: 5a–9b
Seed Form: Pelleted
Plug Crop Time: 5–6 weeks
Transplant to Flower: 10–14 weeks
Seed to Flower: Approximately 105–140 days
Uses: Cottage gardens, borders, containers and ornamental plantings

Beautiful Rose-Pink Flower Spikes

Dalmatian Rose produces elegant, bell-shaped flowers along strong, upright spikes. The romantic rose colour combines beautifully with white, cream, apricot, lavender, blue and fresh green foliage.

Its vertical flower spikes add height and structure to garden plantings, while the relatively compact plants are also suitable for larger decorative containers.

First-Year Flowering & Compact Growth

One of the greatest advantages of Dalmatian Rose is its ability to flower in the first year from seed without a cold period.

Unlike traditional foxgloves, which often flower in their second year, the Dalmatian F1 Series has been bred for earlier and more uniform flowering. Under suitable conditions, flowering can begin approximately 105–140 days after sowing.

Plants develop a compact, well-branched habit with strong flower spikes. At 41–51 cm tall and 30–36 cm wide, they provide vertical structure in smaller gardens, mixed borders and containers.

Sowing & Germination

Dalmatian Rose is supplied as pelleted seed, making the naturally tiny Digitalis seeds easier to sow.

Sowing: Indoors for transplanting
Seeds per Cell: 1 pelleted seed
Sowing Depth: Surface sow
Cover Seed: No
Germination Temperature: 18–20°C
Germination Time: 5–6 days
Plug Crop Time: 5–6 weeks

Sow one pelleted seed per cell onto the surface of a fine, moist seed-starting substrate. Do not cover, as light supports germination.

Keep the substrate evenly moist so the pellet coating can dissolve, but avoid waterlogging. After germination, provide good light and ventilation. Temperatures can gradually be reduced to 16–18°C.

How Long From Seed to Flower?

Plug Production: 5–6 weeks
Transplant to Flower: 10–14 weeks
Total Seed to Flower: Approximately 15–20 weeks / 105–140 days

Flowering time depends on temperature, light, daylength and growing conditions.

Light & Daylength

Dalmatian Rose is a facultative long-day plant. Longer days encourage flowering, with approximately 14 hours of daylight supporting flower initiation.

Early indoor sowing followed by increasing spring daylight helps promote first-year flowering. Choose a bright, sunny growing position.

Growing Conditions & Care

Plant into fertile, well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture, particularly during flower spike development.

Space plants approximately 30 cm apart. Avoid severe drought stress and prolonged waterlogging. Removing faded flower spikes may encourage additional flowering under favourable conditions.

The rose-pink flowers attract bumblebees and other pollinators, making Dalmatian Rose a beautiful addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Important: All parts of Digitalis purpurea are poisonous if ingested. Keep seeds and plants away from children and pets.

Digitalis purpurea Dalmatian Rose combines the romantic beauty of traditional foxgloves with reliable first-year flowering. Its rose-pink flower spikes and compact habit make it an excellent choice for cottage gardens, perennial borders and container displays.