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When to plant Horehound in Mesa County, CO

Mesa County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Horehound May 8–May 22 for the single annual harvest; the October 9 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Horehound in Mesa County, CO

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

Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 6,091 feet, Mesa County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.

Mesa County, CO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Mesa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Horehound

Horehound needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Horehound Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Mesa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Horehound Planting Timeline — Mesa County, CO

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

75–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

161 days in Mesa County

Growing Tips for Mesa County

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 Mesa County, CO?

Mesa County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mesa County, CO?

Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Horehound in Mesa County, CO?

In Mesa County, CO, plant Horehound after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mesa County, CO for Horehound?

Mesa County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Horehound grow in Mesa County's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Mesa County's temperate climate. Mesa County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 9.

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Your Mesa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mesa 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.

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

Sources & credits

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