When to Plant Horehound in Douglas County, WA
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Douglas County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 2,920 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 15.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Horehound during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Horehound successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Douglas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horehound Planting Timeline — Douglas County, WA
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Douglas 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 →
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Douglas County, WA?
Douglas County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, WA?
Douglas County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas 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.