When to plant Horehound in Sacramento County County,
Sacramento County County's 293-day season only supports one Horehound planting per year. Sow between February 19 and March 5 for the best chance at full maturity before December 1.
When to Plant Horehound in Sacramento County, CA
This month in Sacramento County, California
Here's what deserves your attention in Sacramento County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Basket week: horehound
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: horehound
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Sacramento County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.
At an elevation of 263 feet, Sacramento County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.
Sacramento County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.1
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 Sacramento County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.1) is within Horehound's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sacramento County is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 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 | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 0.8" | 1.4" | 🚿 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" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sacramento 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 — Sacramento County, CA
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
292 days in Sacramento County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Sacramento County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after February 12 in Sacramento 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 Sacramento County, CA?
Sacramento County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sacramento County, CA?
Sacramento County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 1.
When should I plant Horehound in Sacramento County County, ?
In Sacramento County County, , plant Horehound after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sacramento County County, for Horehound?
Sacramento County County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Sacramento County County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Sacramento County County's temperate climate. Sacramento County County averages a 293-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 1.
Your Sacramento County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sacramento County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.