Penstemon digitalis Husker Red Seeds - Foxglove beardtongue

Sowing:

Sow Penstemon seeds indoors or in under glass from February to April. Sow on the surface of a good quality soil, covering them with a very thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Place the seed tray in a mini-greenhouse at a temperature of 15-20 °C or in a transparent polyethylene bag until germination which may take 1 to 4 months. Keep the compost moist but not wet and do not exclude light as this helps germination.

When the seedlings are large enough to be handled, transplant them into 8 cm pots in trays and grow the plants in colder conditions. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually allow them to acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 7 to 10 days before planting them outdoors. Space the plants 30 cm apart. Choose fertile, light and well-drained soil, in a sunny or partially shaded position. Penstamons tolerate dry soils which tend to make them go dormant, but heavy soil which is particularly cold and wet in winter must be avoided at all costs. Improve heavy, clay soils by adding plenty of gravel or coarse sand before planting.

Cultivation:

The type and quality of the soil is crucial to the successful cultivation of penstemons. They appreciate rather rich, moist to dry soils that are very well-drained, especially in winter. They rot very quickly in soil that is too wet. In a cool climate, place the plants in a warm, sunny position, sheltered from cold winds (south or west facing). In hot climates, choose a cool, partially-shaded position. Penstemon digitalis Husker Red is one of the most resistant. It can withstand frost down to -20 °C but only if the soil is well-drained. In very cold and humid regions, it is advisable to take stem cuttings in autumn. It does not suffer from any specific diseases. This plant requires very little maintenance but when removing the spent flowers in the autumn, take care to shorten the faded stems slightly without cutting them down to ground level, especially in areas where winters are wet. Foliage plays an important role in moisture regulation. Wait until spring sets in (March-April) to shorten branches whose foliage has been damaged by the cold. If the summer is dry, water regularly to sustain flowering. In the coldest regions, cover the base of the plant with glass or a frame to protect it from the extreme cold. Divide your plants in spring, every three or four years to rejuvenate them.