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When to Plant Epazote in Sherman County, OR

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.

Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 862 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Epazote successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Sherman County, OR (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sherman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Aug 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (65 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 29

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
0.3″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 267 gal / 100 sq ft
Epazote needs ~879 GDD — county provides 3,115 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Sherman County, OR

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

186 days

Growing Tips for Sherman 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 Sherman County, OR?

Sherman 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 Sherman County, OR?

Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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