When to Plant Horehound in Day County, SD
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Day County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 659 feet, Day County receives approximately 29.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.
Day County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Horehound Planting Timeline — Day County, SD
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
75–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
155 days
Growing Tips for Day County
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 Day County, SD?
Day County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Day County, SD?
Day County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Day County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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