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When to Plant Epazote in Miller 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.

Miller County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 266 feet, Miller County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Epazote root diseases.

Miller County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Miller County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 11

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
0.9″/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 ~1,037 GDD — county provides 4,661 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Miller County, AR

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 18
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 18
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

236 days

Growing Tips for Miller 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 Miller County, AR?

Miller County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Miller County, AR?

Miller County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Miller County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Miller County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.