When to plant Horehound in Plumas County County,
Plumas County County sits in cold Zone 7b. Plant Horehound May 27–June 10 for the single annual harvest; the October 8 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Horehound in Plumas County, CA
This month in Plumas County, California
Each item below is timed to Plumas County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Plumas County, California is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Plumas County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.
Plumas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Horehound 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 Plumas County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) is within Horehound's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Plumas County is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 10 to harvest before frost.
Horehound Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Plumas 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 — Plumas County, CA
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
141 days in Plumas County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Plumas County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after May 20 in Plumas 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Plumas County, CA?
Plumas County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Plumas County, CA?
Plumas County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Horehound in Plumas County County, ?
In Plumas County County, , plant Horehound after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Plumas County County, for Horehound?
Plumas County County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Plumas County County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Plumas County County's temperate climate. Plumas County County averages a 141-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around October 8.
Your Plumas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Plumas County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.