When to plant Horehound in Scheller, IL
Plant Horehound in Scheller during the brief April 16–April 30 window. With 194 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 20.
When to Plant Horehound in Scheller, IL
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Scheller, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 509 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.
Scheller Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jefferson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horehound Planting Timeline — Scheller, IL
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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
194 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Scheller
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 Scheller, IL?
In Scheller, IL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scheller, IL for Horehound?
Scheller sits in USDA Zone 6b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Scheller's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Scheller's temperate climate. Scheller averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson 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.