Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Seed Collection Time:

Mid to late summer — typically July through August, after flowering ends.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After blooming, the plant forms upright, oval seed capsules that turn brown and dry as they mature.

• Ripe capsules split open at the top, revealing tiny, angular black seeds.

• Seeds rattle inside the capsule when ready and fall out easily if shaken.

Seed collection steps:

1. Clip seed stalks when capsules are brown and beginning to open.

2. Place in a paper bag or tray and allow to air dry for several days.

3. Shake or gently crush capsules over a container to release seeds.

4. Use a fine screen or winnowing method to clean the seeds.

Germination tip:

• Benefits from cold-moist stratification for 30–60 days, though some fresh seeds may germinate without it.

• C(30–60): Refrigerate in moist sand or sow outdoors in fall.

• Seeds should be lightly covered with soil during sowing — they do not require light to germinate.