Topic: Composting Foxgloves

[MervF]

I have just cut down my Foxgloves and was wondering if they can be safely composted so that I could use the compost on the allotment.   I know people have said they are poisonous but not sure if they are when rotted down.

[small]

I've always composted foxgloves, I can't see a mechanism for their toxicity surviving rotting down, being spread and then entering any vegetables growing in the soil, though I haven't done the science. I tend to think that if compost is well made, then most dodgy stuff is rendered harmless.

[squeezyjohn]

I don't have a definitive answer ... and this question has made me think.  However - I have done this and suffered no ill effects. ... my understanding is that the toxins are concentrated in the flowers/seeds but I thought that by the time they've been composted then they will be harmless.

[johhnyco15]

i dont compost my foxgloves i just leave them where they are at the back of the border where they self seed for another year hope this helps

[pumkinlover]

I can't see that composted foxgloves will be any more risky than growing ones. Of course this is not a scientific research based comment! I just keep them out of the way of the rabbits.