When to plant Foxglove in Osage County County,
In Zone 6b (Osage County County), direct-sow Foxglove between April 19 and May 10 for spring, after the April 12 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Foxglove in Osage County, KS
Your June planting checklist for Osage County, Kansas
Each item below is timed to Osage County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Time to start foxglove inside
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Pick foxglove
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Osage County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 504 feet, Osage County receives approximately 28.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Foxglove during the growing season.
Osage County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
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 Osage County
How your county's soil matches Foxglove's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) is more alkaline than Foxglove prefers (5.5–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Osage County is excellent for Foxglove — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Foxglove.
How to Plant Foxglove
Succession Planting Foxglove
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Osage 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 — Osage County, KS
Foxglove Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Bloom | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Osage County
Growing Tips for Foxglove in Osage County
Direct sow Foxglove outdoors after April 12 in Osage 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 Osage County, KS?
Osage County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Foxglove planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Osage County, KS?
Osage County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Foxglove in Osage County County, ?
In Osage County County, , plant Foxglove after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Osage County County, for Foxglove?
Osage County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Foxglove grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Foxglove grow in Osage County County's climate?
Yes — Foxglove grows well in Osage County County's temperate climate. Osage County County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 25.
Your Osage County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Osage County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.