When to plant Horehound in Bent County, CO
Plant Horehound in Bent County during the brief May 6–May 20 window. With 163 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 9.
When to Plant Horehound in Bent County, CO
June to-do list for Bent County, Colorado
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bent County, Colorado.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Bent County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 4,516 feet, Bent County receives approximately 12.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Horehound successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Bent County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Bent County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is within Horehound's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bent 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 11 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bent 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 — Bent County, CO
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Bent County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Bent County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after April 29 in Bent County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Bent County receives only 12" 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 Bent County, CO?
Bent County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bent County, CO?
Bent County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Horehound in Bent County, CO?
In Bent County, CO, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bent County, CO for Horehound?
Bent County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Bent County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Bent County's temperate climate. Bent County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 9.
Your Bent County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bent County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.