When to Plant Horehound in Coconino County, AZ
Coconino County, Arizona gardeners: here's your May plan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Get ahead of June
- Transplants going out: horehound
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 7,869 feet, Coconino County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Horehound may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Horehound will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Horehound successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Coconino County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.6
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 Coconino County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.6) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Coconino County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Horehound will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Horehound.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Coconino 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 — Coconino County, AZ
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Oct 15 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Coconino County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Coconino County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after May 28 in Coconino County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Coconino County dries quickly — mulch Horehound with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Coconino County, provide afternoon shade for Horehound and water deeply in the morning.
Coconino County receives only 14" of rain annually. Horehound needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Coconino County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Coconino County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.