Epazote Planting Guide
Epazote is a pungent Mexican herb traditionally cooked with black beans to reduce their gas-causing properties. It has a strong, unique flavor that is an acquired taste.
Dysphania ambrosioides · Herb · Amaranthaceae family · 45–60 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Epazote?
Epazote Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Epazote planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | Mar 7 | May 2 | May 9 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 28 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Jun 12 – Aug 7 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 27 – Jul 22 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 28 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | May 20 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | May 10 – Jul 5 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Apr 29 – Jun 24 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Jun 2 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Feb 1 | Feb 1 | Mar 22 – May 17 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Soil pH
6 – 8
Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 11b
Growing Tips
Direct sow after last frost. Epazote grows easily and self-sows aggressively. Use sparingly in cooking as the flavor is very strong. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.
Saving Epazote Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Epazote by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Epazote?
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) takes 45 to 60 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Epazote grow in?
Epazote can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Epazote need?
Growing Epazote requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 6 to 8.