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When to Plant Epazote in Vermillion County, IN

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.

Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 719 feet, Vermillion County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.

Vermillion County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Vermillion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (64 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 30

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
Epazote needs ~958 GDD — county provides 3,376 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Vermillion County, IN

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 12
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 โ€“ Aug 11

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 6a

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Vermillion 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 Vermillion County, IN?

Vermillion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Vermillion County, IN?

Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Vermillion County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Vermillion County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.