When to Plant Horehound in Burnet County, TX
Your May game plan for Burnet County, Texas
Here's what deserves your attention in Burnet County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Bring in the horehound
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to 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.
Burnet County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 259 days.
At an elevation of 1,090 feet, Burnet County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Horehound, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Horehound root diseases.
Burnet County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Burnet County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is within Horehound's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Burnet County is workable for Horehound. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 22 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Burnet 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 — Burnet County, TX
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
259 days in Burnet County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Burnet County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after March 06 in Burnet County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Burnet County's clay soil (38% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Horehound. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Burnet County, TX?
Burnet County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Burnet County, TX?
Burnet County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 20.
Your Burnet County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Burnet County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.