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When to plant Foxglove in Coffee County, GA

Plant Foxglove in Coffee County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 22. Continue planting through March 15 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Foxglove in Coffee County, GA

Coffee County, Georgia Zone 9a June

June in Coffee County, Georgia — your action list

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost March 8
Avg. first frost November 22
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs

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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.

Coffee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 259 days.

At an elevation of 110 feet, Coffee County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Foxglove may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Foxglove, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Foxglove root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Coffee County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
259 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
259 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Coffee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Foxglove Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (204 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 3 Transplant: Feb 14 🌸 Bloom: Apr 4 – Apr 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (203 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 11 Transplant: Feb 22 🌸 Bloom: Apr 12 – May 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (207 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 12 🌸 Bloom: Apr 30 – May 21

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 Coffee County

How your county's soil matches Foxglove's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–6.3) is within Foxglove's preferred range (5.5–6.5).

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Coffee County is excellent for Foxglove — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Foxglove.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Foxglove.

How to Plant Foxglove

0.1"
Planting Depth
18"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Foxglove

3
successive plantings in your 259-day season

Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.

Foxglove Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Coffee 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 needs ~2,125 GDD — county provides 5,503 GDD Excellent fit

Foxglove Planting Timeline — Coffee County, GA

Foxglove Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 11 Jan 11 – Jan 25
Transplant Outdoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 15
Bloom April 12 Apr 12 – May 3

Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Bloom
May Bloom
June
July
August
September
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: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

259 days in Coffee County

Growing Tips for Foxglove in Coffee County

Direct sow Foxglove outdoors after March 08 in Coffee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Coffee County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Foxglove. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Foxglove in Coffee County, GA?

Coffee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Foxglove planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Coffee County, GA?

Coffee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 22.

When should I plant Foxglove in Coffee County, GA?

In Coffee County, GA, plant Foxglove after the last frost (around March 8) and before the first frost (around November 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Coffee County, GA for Foxglove?

Coffee County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Foxglove grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.

Can Foxglove grow in Coffee County's climate?

Yes — Foxglove grows well in Coffee County's temperate climate. Coffee County averages a 259-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 8 and first frost around November 22.

🌱

Your Coffee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Coffee County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Coffee County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.