When to plant Horehound in Duval County, FL
Plant Horehound in Duval County, between March 3 and March 17 — the only viable window. Zone 9b's short season (279 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Horehound in Duval County, FL
July in the garden — Duval County, Florida
July is a pivotal month for Duval County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Basket week: horehound
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Duval County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.
At an elevation of 337 feet, Duval County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Horehound may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Horehound will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Horehound root diseases.
Duval County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Duval County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Horehound prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Duval County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Horehound will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
Horehound Water Budget
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Duval 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 — Duval County, FL
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
278 days in Duval County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Duval County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after February 24 in Duval County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Duval County dries quickly — mulch Horehound with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Duval County, provide afternoon shade for Horehound and water deeply in the morning.
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 Duval County, FL?
Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Duval County, FL?
Duval County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 29.
When should I plant Horehound in Duval County, FL?
In Duval County, FL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Duval County, FL for Horehound?
Duval 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 Duval County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Duval County's temperate climate. Duval County averages a 279-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 29.
Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Duval 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.