When to plant Foxglove in Cooper County, MO
The best window to plant Foxglove in Cooper County, is April 17–May 8, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 10; first frost October 25.
When to Plant Foxglove in Cooper County, MO
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.
Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Cooper County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Foxglove during the growing season.
Cooper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Foxglove Planting Timeline — Cooper County, MO
Foxglove Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Bloom | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Cooper County
Growing Tips for Cooper County
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 Cooper County, MO?
Cooper County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Foxglove planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cooper County, MO?
Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Foxglove in Cooper County, MO?
In Cooper County, MO, plant Foxglove after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cooper County, MO for Foxglove?
Cooper 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 Cooper County's climate?
Yes — Foxglove grows well in Cooper County's temperate climate. Cooper County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 25.
Your Cooper County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cooper 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.