Horehound Planting Guide
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Marrubium vulgare · Herb · Lamiaceae family · 75–90 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Horehound?
Horehound Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Horehound planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | — | May 22 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 |
| Zone 3b | — | — | May 17 | Aug 2 – Sep 20 |
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 13 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 8 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | May 31 – Jul 26 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | May 20 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | May 5 – Jun 30 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | Apr 19 – Jun 14 |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – May 21 |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – May 21 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Soil pH
6 – 8
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 10b
Growing Tips
Direct sow or start from divisions. Thrives in poor, dry soil. Harvest stems just before flowering. Deadhead to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Very drought-tolerant once established.
Saving Horehound Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Horehound by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Horehound?
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) takes 75 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Horehound grow in?
Horehound can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Horehound need?
Growing Horehound requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 6 to 8.