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When to plant Horehound in Henderson County, IL

Henderson County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Horehound April 24–May 8 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Horehound in Henderson 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.

Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Henderson County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.

Henderson County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Henderson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Horehound Planting Timeline — Henderson County, IL

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

183 days in Henderson County

Growing Tips for Henderson 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 Henderson County, IL?

Henderson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henderson County, IL?

Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Horehound in Henderson County, IL?

In Henderson County, IL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Henderson County, IL for Horehound?

Henderson 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 Henderson County's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Henderson County's temperate climate. Henderson County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Henderson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Henderson 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.

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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 Henderson County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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