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When to plant Horehound in St. Johns County, FL

St. Johns County's 297-day season only supports one Horehound planting per year. Sow between February 16 and March 2 for the best chance at full maturity before December 2.

When to Plant Horehound in St. Johns 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.

St. Johns 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 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.

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

St. Johns County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Horehound Planting Timeline — St. Johns 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 St. Johns County

Growing Tips for St. Johns 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 St. Johns County, FL?

St. Johns 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 St. Johns County, FL?

St. Johns 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 St. Johns County, FL?

In St. Johns 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 St. Johns County, FL for Horehound?

St. Johns 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 St. Johns County's climate?

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

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A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns 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.

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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 St. Johns County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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