When to Plant Horehound in Carson County, TX
Your May game plan for Carson County, Texas
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Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Carson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 2,585 feet, Carson County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Horehound may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Horehound will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Carson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.9-8.8
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 Carson County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.9–8.8) is more alkaline than Horehound prefers (6.0–8.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Carson County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Horehound will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Horehound.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Carson 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 — Carson County, TX
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Carson County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Carson County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after April 14 in Carson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Carson County dries quickly — mulch Horehound with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Carson County, provide afternoon shade for Horehound and water deeply in the morning.
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 Carson County, TX?
Carson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carson County, TX?
Carson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Carson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carson 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.