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When to Plant Epazote in Sumner County, KS

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.

Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 637 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.

Sumner County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Sumner County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Aug 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (79 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (82 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 22

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
0.6″/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 ~722 GDD — county provides 2,722 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Sumner County, KS

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 9
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 โ€“ Aug 8

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

198 days

Growing Tips for Sumner 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 Sumner County, KS?

Sumner County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sumner County, KS?

Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sumner 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 Sumner County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.