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When to Plant Horehound in Leon County, TX

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

Leon County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 226 feet, Leon County receives approximately 72.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Horehound will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Horehound root diseases.

Leon County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Leon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

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 β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 11.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Leon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Horehound Planting Timeline β€” Leon County, TX

Horehound Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Jul 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April β€”
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

75–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

250 days in Leon County

Growing Tips for Leon 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 Leon County, TX?

Leon County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Leon County, TX?

Leon County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Leon County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Leon County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.