Blog

When to plant Horehound in Nome Census Area, AK

In Nome Census Area, Horehound is a spring-only crop. Plant June 10–June 24 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Horehound in Nome Census Area, AK

Nome Census Area, Alaska Zone 3b June

June to-do list for Nome Census Area, Alaska

A quick June briefing for Nome Census Area, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost June 3
Avg. first frost September 2
Soil temp (4") 54°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure Moderate
Daylight 20.6 hrs
  1. Plant out horehound

    Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 2,593 feet, Nome Census Area receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 61°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.

Nome Census Area, AK (Zone 3b) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost June 3
91 growing days
First Fall Frost September 2

Nome Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Horehound Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 23 – Oct 11
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 14
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 19 🍅 Harvest: Sep 4 – Oct 23

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 Nome Census Area

How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Horehound prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Nome Census Area is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Horehound prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Horehound will thrive.

How to Plant Horehound

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Horehound Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 2.2" 3.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Nome Census Area). 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 needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Horehound Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 – Jun 24
Harvest August 26 Aug 26 – Oct 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Nome Census Area

Growing Tips for Horehound in Nome Census Area

Direct sow Horehound outdoors after June 03 in Nome Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 91.0-day growing season in Nome Census Area 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horehound in Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nome Census Area, AK?

Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 2.

When should I plant Horehound in Nome Census Area, AK?

In Nome Census Area, AK, plant Horehound after the last frost (around June 3) and before the first frost (around September 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nome Census Area, AK for Horehound?

Nome Census Area sits in USDA Zone 3b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Horehound grow in Nome Census Area's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Nome Census Area's temperate climate. Nome Census Area averages a 91-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 3 and first frost around September 2.

🌱

Your Nome Census Area Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nome Census Area (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nome Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.