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When to Plant Epazote in USDA Zone 7a

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.

In Zone 7a, the average last spring frost is around March 25 and the first fall frost is around November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

Zone 7a Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Epazote Planting Timeline — Zone 7a

Where Is USDA Zone 7a?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7a. Click any state to see the Epazote planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Epazote Planting Calendar — Zone 7a

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 7a Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

45–60 days

Soil pH

6 – 8

Zone Temperature Range

0°F to 5°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

221 days (Zone 7a average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing8 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Succession Planting Epazote in Zone 7a

5
successive plantings in Zone 7a's ~221-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Epazote in Zone 7a

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

Saving Epazote Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Fabric Grow Bags $10-25

Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.

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Self-Watering Planters $15-40

Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Epazote in Zone 7a?

In Zone 7a, plan your Epazote planting around the average last frost date of March 25. Start seeds indoors around February 4. Direct sow outdoors around April 1. Transplant seedlings around April 8.

Can Epazote grow in Zone 7a?

Yes, Epazote can grow well in Zone 7a, hardy in USDA zones 5a through 11b. Zone 7a has a growing season of approximately 221 days, which is sufficient for Epazote (45-60 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Epazote in Zone 7a?

In Zone 7a, expect to harvest Epazote from May 27 – July 22. Epazote takes 45-60 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 7a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 7a is around March 25, and the first fall frost is around November 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 221 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Epazote?

Good companion plants for Epazote include Green Beans, Corn. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 7a, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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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, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.