Blog

When to plant Horehound in Putnam County, FL

Putnam County's short 297-day growing season means one Horehound planting between February 16 and March 2. No fall crop in Zone 9b.

When to Plant Horehound in Putnam County, FL

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

Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.

At an elevation of 278 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°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.

Putnam County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
296 days
Last Spring Frost February 9
296 growing days
First Fall Frost December 2

Putnam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.2

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 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering

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

Horehound Planting Timeline — Putnam County, FL

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Harvest May 4 May 4 – Jun 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

296 days in Putnam County

Growing Tips for Putnam 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 Putnam County, FL?

Putnam County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Putnam County, FL?

Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.

When should I plant Horehound in Putnam County, FL?

In Putnam County, FL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Putnam County, FL for Horehound?

Putnam 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 Putnam County's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.

🌱

Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.