When to plant Horehound in Castleton, IL
In Castleton, Horehound is a spring-only crop. Plant April 28–May 12 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Horehound in Castleton, IL
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Castleton, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 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.
Castleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Horehound Planting Timeline — Castleton, IL
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Stark County
Growing Tips for Castleton
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
When should I plant Horehound in Castleton, IL?
In Castleton, IL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Castleton, IL for Horehound?
Castleton sits in USDA Zone 5b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Castleton's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Castleton's temperate climate. Castleton averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 12.
Your Stark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stark County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.