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When to Plant Horehound in Massachusetts

Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.

Massachusetts spans USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Horehound planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Horehound Planting Calendar for Massachusetts

Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Sep 5
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 28
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 21
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Aug 12

Growing Tips for Massachusetts

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horehound in Massachusetts?

Planting dates for Horehound in Massachusetts depend on your USDA zone. Massachusetts spans zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Massachusetts for planting?

Massachusetts contains USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.