When to plant Foxglove in Nome Census Area, AK
Nome Census Area sits in cold Zone 3b. Plant Foxglove June 17–July 8 for the single annual harvest; the September 2 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Foxglove in Nome Census Area, AK
This month in Nome Census Area, Alaska
A quick July briefing for Nome Census Area, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: foxglove
- First harvests: foxglove
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a stately cottage garden classic, sending up dramatic 3–5 foot spires of tubular flowers — spotted purple, pink, white, or cream — in late spring and early summer. Technically biennial (flowering in its second year), foxglove perpetuates itself so freely from self-sown seed that established plantings appear to be permanent perennials. A key source plant for the heart medication digitalis, all parts are highly toxic if ingested. Bumblebees are the primary pollinators, crawling deep into each bell-shaped flower. Partial shade and cool, moist woodland-edge conditions suit foxglove best; it resents heat and drought.
Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 2,593 feet, Nome Census Area receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 61°F, so choose short-season varieties of Foxglove to ensure they mature before fall.
Nome Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Foxglove Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Nome Census Area
How your county's soil matches Foxglove's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) overlaps with Foxglove's range (5.5–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nome Census Area is excellent for Foxglove — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Foxglove.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Foxglove will thrive.
How to Plant Foxglove
Foxglove Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Foxglove
Foxglove needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Foxglove Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Nome Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Foxglove Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Foxglove Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK
Foxglove Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Direct Sow | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 8 |
| Bloom | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Nome Census Area
Growing Tips for Foxglove in Nome Census Area
Direct sow Foxglove outdoors after June 03 in Nome Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 91.0-day growing season in Nome Census Area is tight for Foxglove (80.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Sow seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost or direct-sow outdoors in late spring/early summer for next-year bloom (biennial cycle). Surface-sow — seeds need light to germinate. Transplant after last frost into cool, moist, well-amended soil. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; full shade reduces bloom but is tolerated. Keep consistently moist. First-year plants form a basal rosette only; second-year plants produce flower spikes. After bloom, cut the main spike before seed scatters to prevent excessive spreading, or leave some spikes to self-seed for naturalizing. Perennial species (D. grandiflora, D. x mertonensis) maintain clumps without requiring self-seeding. Wear gloves when handling — all plant parts toxic.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Foxglove in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Foxglove in Nome Census Area, AK?
Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Foxglove planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nome Census Area, AK?
Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 2.
When should I plant Foxglove in Nome Census Area, AK?
In Nome Census Area, AK, plant Foxglove after the last frost (around June 3) and before the first frost (around September 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nome Census Area, AK for Foxglove?
Nome Census Area sits in USDA Zone 3b. Foxglove grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Foxglove grow in Nome Census Area's climate?
Yes — Foxglove grows well in Nome Census Area's temperate climate. Nome Census Area averages a 91-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 3 and first frost around September 2.
Your Nome Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nome Census Area (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.