When to plant Foxglove in Sharp County, AR
In Zone 7b (Sharp County), direct-sow Foxglove between April 2 and April 23 for spring, after the March 26 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Foxglove in Sharp County, AR
Your July gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Sharp County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 674 feet, Sharp County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Foxglove during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Foxglove root diseases.
Sharp County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Sharp County
How your county's soil matches Foxglove's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Foxglove's range (5.5–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sharp County is excellent for Foxglove — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Foxglove.
How to Plant Foxglove
Succession Planting Foxglove
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 05 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sharp County). 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 — Sharp County, AR
Foxglove Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Bloom | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Sharp County
Growing Tips for Foxglove in Sharp County
Direct sow Foxglove outdoors after March 26 in Sharp County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Sharp County, AR?
Sharp County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Foxglove planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sharp County, AR?
Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Foxglove in Sharp County, AR?
In Sharp County, AR, plant Foxglove after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sharp County, AR for Foxglove?
Sharp County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Foxglove grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Foxglove grow in Sharp County's climate?
Yes — Foxglove grows well in Sharp County's temperate climate. Sharp County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 2.
Your Sharp County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sharp County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.