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When to Plant Horehound in USDA Zone 5b

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

In Zone 5b, the average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

Zone 5b Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Horehound Planting Timeline — Zone 5b

Where Is USDA Zone 5b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5b. Click any state to see the Horehound planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Horehound Planting Calendar — Zone 5b

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Sep 5

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Free Zone 5b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low — drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

75–90 days

Soil pH

6 – 8

Zone Temperature Range

-15°F to -10°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

178 days (Zone 5b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing8 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 5b

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

Saving Horehound Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Fabric Grow Bags $10-25

Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.

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Self-Watering Planters $15-40

Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horehound in Zone 5b?

In Zone 5b, plan your Horehound planting around the average last frost date of April 18. Transplant seedlings around April 25.

Can Horehound grow in Zone 5b?

Yes, Horehound can grow well in Zone 5b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Zone 5b has a growing season of approximately 178 days, which is sufficient for Horehound (75-90 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Horehound in Zone 5b?

In Zone 5b, expect to harvest Horehound from July 11 – September 5. Horehound takes 75-90 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 5b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is around April 18, and the first fall frost is around October 13. This gives a growing season of approximately 178 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Horehound?

Good companion plants for Horehound include Tomatoes, Peppers. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 5b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.