When to plant Horehound in Gordon County, GA
Gordon County sits in cold Zone 8a. Plant Horehound April 13–April 27 for the single annual harvest; the October 30 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Horehound in Gordon County, GA
July in Gordon County, Georgia — your action list
Each item below is timed to Gordon County, Georgia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Pick horehound
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- First harvests: horehound
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Gordon County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 416 feet, Gordon County receives approximately 48.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Horehound, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Gordon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Gordon County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Gordon County is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Gordon 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 — Gordon County, GA
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Gordon County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Gordon County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after April 06 in Gordon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Gordon County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Horehound. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Gordon County, GA?
Gordon County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gordon County, GA?
Gordon County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.
When should I plant Horehound in Gordon County, GA?
In Gordon County, GA, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gordon County, GA for Horehound?
Gordon County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Gordon County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Gordon County's temperate climate. Gordon County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.
Your Gordon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gordon County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.