When to plant Horehound in Fulton County, IL
Fulton County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Horehound April 27–May 11 for the single annual harvest; the October 16 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Horehound in Fulton 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.
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 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.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fulton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horehound Planting Timeline — Fulton County, IL
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Fulton 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 Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?
Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Horehound in Fulton County, IL?
In Fulton County, IL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fulton County, IL for Horehound?
Fulton County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Fulton County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Fulton County's temperate climate. Fulton County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.
Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.