When is the best time to apply a herbicide for control of henbit?

The best time to apply a herbicide for control of henbit is in the fall. This timing is important because henbit, which is a winter annual, generally germinates in the late summer to early fall. Applying a herbicide during this period effectively targets the young plants before they can establish strong roots and grow larger.

Fall applications allow the herbicide to work on the juvenile stages of the henbit, which are more susceptible to chemical control. This proactive approach can minimize competition for nutrients and space in the following growing seasons, leading to better overall management of the turf or ornamental area.

In contrast, applying herbicide in the summer, winter, or spring would not be as effective for henbit control, as by those times, henbit may already be established or in a growth stage where it is less sensitive to herbicides. This makes the fall application the most strategic choice for effective management of this particular weed.