When to Plant Horehound in Montgomery County, TX
Montgomery County, Texas gardeners: here's your May plan
A quick May briefing for Montgomery County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Harvest horehound as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 286 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 62.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Horehound root diseases.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Montgomery County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Montgomery County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Horehound will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 11" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Montgomery 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 — Montgomery County, TX
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
286 days in Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Montgomery County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after February 18 in Montgomery County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Montgomery 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 96°F in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, TX?
Montgomery County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, TX?
Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montgomery County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.