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When to plant Horehound in Fayette County, IA

Fayette County's short 153-day growing season means one Horehound planting between May 12 and May 26. No fall crop in Zone 5a.

When to Plant Horehound in Fayette County, IA

Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.

Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 1,228 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.

Fayette County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Fayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Horehound Planting Timeline — Fayette County, IA

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 – Sep 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Fayette County

Growing Tips for Fayette 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 Fayette County, IA?

Fayette County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fayette County, IA?

Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 5.

When should I plant Horehound in Fayette County, IA?

In Fayette County, IA, plant Horehound after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fayette County, IA for Horehound?

Fayette County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Horehound grow in Fayette County's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 5.

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Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette County (Zone 5a). 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 Fayette County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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