When to Plant Horehound in Lake County, MN
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 1 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.
At an elevation of 1,191 feet, Lake County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Lake County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake County is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Horehound.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Horehound will thrive.
How to Plant Horehound
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Horehound
Horehound needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Horehound Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lake County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horehound 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.
Horehound Planting Timeline — Lake County, MN
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
103 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Lake County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after June 01 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 103.0-day growing season in Lake County is tight for Horehound (75.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General 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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Lake County, MN?
Lake County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 1. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MN?
Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 1 and first fall frost is September 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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