When to Plant Horehound in Scott 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.
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Scott County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Scott County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Horehound will thrive.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 11 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Horehound Planting Timeline — Scott County, MN
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Scott County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after April 24 in Scott County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Level Up Your Garden
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Scott County, MN?
Scott County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, MN?
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Scott County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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