Horehound features ornamental foliage that have a slight heart shape. The name "horehound" is likely a derivative of the Old English word horhoune, which means hoary or hairy, as both the leaves and stems are covered in fine hair. The herb is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern and central Asia. Horehound is known as one of the strongest anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs. It is valued for its medicinal purposes in modern cultures around the globe. Horehound is an expectorant and people use it to relieve coughs, loosen mucus, increase the flow of saliva, and stimulate the appetite. Marrubium vulgare, 80 days to maturity
Horehound grows best in zones 3-9. Plants grow to about 30 inches tall and two to three feet wide. They spread via runners and self-seeding, so to reduce invasion, remove the flowers as they appear. While not too picky about soil conditions, horehound does prefer dry, sandy soil. Horehound sprouts in 14-21 days. Once your plant flowers, use shears to cut the foliage away from the base of the plant. Leave enough room for regrowth to occur. The leaves and flowers both can be harvested, but it’s important to harvest while they’re young. Dry the harvest and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to use at a later date.
For more growing information, check out our Growing Guide!
Horehound Planting Information
Planting Method: transplant or direct sow
When to Plant: Three weeks before last frost
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 10-12"
Row Spacing: 12-14"
Days to Maturity: 80 days
Disease Resistance: n/a
