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When to plant Horehound in Douglas County, KS

Douglas County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Horehound April 19–May 3 for the single annual harvest; the October 25 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Horehound in Douglas County, KS

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

Douglas County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 494 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.

Douglas County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Douglas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.6

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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Horehound Planting Timeline — Douglas County, KS

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Aug 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
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

196 days in Douglas County

Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, KS?

Douglas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Douglas County, KS?

Douglas County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Horehound in Douglas County, KS?

In Douglas County, KS, plant Horehound after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Douglas County, KS for Horehound?

Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Horehound grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Horehound grow in Douglas County's climate?

Yes — Horehound grows well in Douglas County's temperate climate. Douglas County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 25.

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Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas 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.

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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 Douglas County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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