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When to plant Horehound in Pulaski County, IL

Plant Horehound in Pulaski County, between April 16 and April 30 — the only viable window. Zone 7a's short season (196 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Horehound in Pulaski 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.

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.

Pulaski County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Pulaski County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Horehound Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, 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

MonthActivities
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

196 days in Pulaski County

Growing Tips for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Horehound in Pulaski County, IL?

In Pulaski County, IL, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pulaski County, IL for Horehound?

Pulaski 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 Pulaski County's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.

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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 Pulaski County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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