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When to Plant Epazote in Walworth County, WI

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.

Walworth County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 1,101 feet, Walworth County receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.

Walworth County, WI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Walworth County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 8

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
1.0″/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 ~801 GDD — county provides 2,592 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Walworth County, WI

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 24
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Aug 23

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 5a

Growing Season

170 days

Growing Tips for Walworth 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 Walworth County, WI?

Walworth County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walworth County, WI?

Walworth County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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