When to Plant Horehound in Carlisle County, KY
Top priorities for Carlisle County, Kentucky gardeners in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: horehound
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Carlisle County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 4,000 feet, Carlisle County receives approximately 44.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.
Carlisle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Carlisle County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Carlisle County is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Horehound
Horehound needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Horehound Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Carlisle County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horehound Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Horehound Planting Timeline — Carlisle County, KY
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Carlisle County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Carlisle County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after March 28 in Carlisle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Carlisle County, KY?
Carlisle County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carlisle County, KY?
Carlisle County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Carlisle County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carlisle 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.