When to plant Horehound in Pope County, IL
Plant Horehound in Pope County during the brief April 14–April 28 window. With 197 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 21.
When to Plant Horehound in Pope 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.
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Horehound Planting Timeline — Pope County, IL
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Pope County
Growing Tips for Pope 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 Pope County, IL?
Pope County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pope County, IL?
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Horehound in Pope County, IL?
In Pope County, IL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pope County, IL for Horehound?
Pope County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Horehound grow in Pope County's climate?
Yes — Horehound grows well in Pope County's temperate climate. Pope County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.
Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pope County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.