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When to Plant Epazote in McClain County, OK

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.

McClain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 558 feet, McClain County receives approximately 23.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.

McClain County, OK (Zone 7a) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

McClain 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 (103 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 12

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.

Soil Compatibility in McClain County

How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4โ€“7.8) is within Epazote's preferred range (6.0โ€“8.0).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in McClain County is excellent for Epazote โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Epazote.

How to Plant Epazote

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Epazote

5
successive plantings in your 217-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 06 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 109 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Epazote needs ~1,076 GDD — county provides 4,448 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” McClain County, OK

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 โ€“ Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 30
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 โ€“ Jul 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.5"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

45โ€“60 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“8 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

217 days in McClain County

Growing Tips for Epazote in McClain County

Direct sow Epazote outdoors after April 02 in McClain County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 217.0-day season in McClain County allows multiple plantings of Epazote. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.

McClain County receives only 23" of rain annually. Epazote needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General 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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Epazote in McClain County, OK?

McClain County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McClain County, OK?

McClain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help McClain County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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