When to Plant Foxglove in Lander County, NV
This month in Lander County, Nevada
Your Lander County, Nevada garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Get foxglove in the ground
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Seed foxglove outdoors
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 6,987 feet, Lander County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Foxglove during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Foxglove will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Foxglove successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lander County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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 Lander County
How your county's soil matches Foxglove's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.4) is more alkaline than Foxglove prefers (5.5–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lander County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Foxglove will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Foxglove.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Foxglove.
How to Plant Foxglove
Foxglove Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lander 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 — Lander County, NV
Foxglove Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Bloom | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 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
118 days in Lander County
Growing Tips for Foxglove in Lander County
Direct sow Foxglove outdoors after May 27 in Lander County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lander County dries quickly — mulch Foxglove with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 118.0-day growing season in Lander County is tight for Foxglove (80.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Lander County receives only 9" 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 Lander County, NV?
Lander County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Foxglove planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lander County, NV?
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Lander County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lander 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.