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When to Plant Epazote in Boone County, AR

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.

Boone County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 844 feet, Boone County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Epazote root diseases.

Boone County, AR (Zone 6b) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Boone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (86 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Aug 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Aug 18

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Epazote needs ~919 GDD — county provides 3,587 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Boone County, AR

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 โ€“ Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 3
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ May 3
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Aug 2

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

45โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

205 days

Growing Tips for Boone County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Epazote in Boone County, AR?

Boone County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boone County, AR?

Boone County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 27.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Boone County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Boone County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.