When to Plant Horehound in Grand County, UT
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Grand County, Utah this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Grand County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 5,415 feet, Grand County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season.
Grand County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.9
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 Grand County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.9) is within Horehound's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Grand County is excellent for Horehound — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Horehound.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Succession Planting Horehound
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grand 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 — Grand County, UT
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Grand County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Grand County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after April 19 in Grand County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Grand County receives only 23" of rain annually. Horehound needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Grand County, UT?
Grand County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grand County, UT?
Grand County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 13.
Your Grand County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grand County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.