Horehound is a hardy perennial herb with soft, gray-green leaves and dense, whorled flower clusters. Known for its medicinal properties, it’s often used in teas and tinctures to soothe coughs and colds. Easy to grow in sunny locations, Horehound adds beauty and utility to herbal gardens, thriving even in poor soils.
Horehound Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow horehound seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop. Horehound thrives in warm conditions and tolerates light frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Horehound grows best in poor, rocky, or sandy soils and does not require rich soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Horehound prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and can tolerate dry, low-nutrient conditions.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 10-12 inches apart in rows or clusters.
- Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Once established, horehound is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start horehound seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 10-12 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Horehound
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Horehound tolerates partial shade but may grow less vigorously.
- Watering: Water sparingly once plants are established. Horehound prefers dry conditions and does not tolerate waterlogged soil.
- Fertilizing: Horehound does not require fertilization and thrives in poor soils. Adding compost during planting is sufficient for healthy growth.
- Pruning: Regularly trim horehound to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. Cut back flowers to prolong foliage production.
- Pest and Disease Control: Horehound is pest- and disease-resistant. Its strong aroma repels many pests, making it a low-maintenance herb.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Harvest fresh leaves as needed once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Cut leaves early in the morning for the best flavor.
- For Flowers: Flowers can be harvested for tea or other uses. Collect them as they begin to open.
- Storage: Store fresh horehound leaves in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
