When to plant Foxglove in Kit Carson County, CO
Foxglove planted in Kit Carson County between May 16 and June 6 matures in 80–120 days — well before the October 8 first frost.
When to Plant Foxglove in Kit Carson County, CO
This month in Kit Carson County, Colorado
Welcome to June in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Kit Carson County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 6,382 feet, Kit Carson County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Foxglove during the growing season.
Kit Carson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8
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 Kit Carson County
How your county's soil matches Foxglove's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.0) is more alkaline than Foxglove prefers (5.5–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kit Carson County is excellent for Foxglove — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Foxglove.
How to Plant Foxglove
Succession Planting Foxglove
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 10 to harvest before frost.
Foxglove Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Kit Carson 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 — Kit Carson County, CO
Foxglove Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Bloom | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Kit Carson County
Growing Tips for Foxglove in Kit Carson County
Direct sow Foxglove outdoors after May 09 in Kit Carson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Kit Carson County receives only 23" of rain annually. Foxglove needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Kit Carson County, CO?
Kit Carson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Foxglove planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kit Carson County, CO?
Kit Carson County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Foxglove in Kit Carson County, CO?
In Kit Carson County, CO, plant Foxglove after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kit Carson County, CO for Foxglove?
Kit Carson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Foxglove grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Foxglove grow in Kit Carson County's climate?
Yes — Foxglove grows well in Kit Carson County's temperate climate. Kit Carson County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 8.
Your Kit Carson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kit Carson County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.