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When to plant Horehound in Weld County, CO

Weld County's short 158-day growing season means one Horehound planting between May 9 and May 23. No fall crop in Zone 5b.

When to Plant Horehound in Weld 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.

Weld County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 6,992 feet, Weld County receives approximately 18.8 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.

Weld County, CO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Weld County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.1

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Horehound Planting Timeline — Weld County, CO

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 19

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

158 days in Weld County

Growing Tips for Weld 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 Weld County, CO?

Weld County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Weld County, CO?

Weld County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Horehound in Weld County, CO?

In Weld County, CO, plant Horehound after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Weld County, CO for Horehound?

Weld County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Horehound grow in Weld County's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Weld County's temperate climate. Weld County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.

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Your Weld County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Weld County (Zone 5b). 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 Weld County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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