When to plant Horehound in Effingham County, IL
Effingham County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Horehound April 23–May 7 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Horehound in Effingham County, IL
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Effingham County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 953 feet, Effingham County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.
Effingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Horehound Planting Timeline — Effingham County, IL
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Effingham County
Growing Tips for Effingham 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 →
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Effingham County, IL?
Effingham County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Effingham County, IL?
Effingham County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Horehound in Effingham County, IL?
In Effingham County, IL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Effingham County, IL for Horehound?
Effingham County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Effingham County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Effingham County's temperate climate. Effingham County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 17.
Your Effingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Effingham County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.