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When to Plant Epazote in Tucker County, WV

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.

Tucker County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 2,047 feet, Tucker County receives approximately 52.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Epazote to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Epazote root diseases.

Tucker County, WV (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Tucker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 13

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
1.3″/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 ~643 GDD — county provides 2,131 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Tucker County, WV

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 25
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
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 5b

Growing Season

174 days

Growing Tips for Tucker 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 Tucker County, WV?

Tucker County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tucker County, WV?

Tucker County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Tucker County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Tucker County, WV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.