When to plant Epazote in Saline County, IL
For Saline County, gardeners: plant Epazote April 15 through May 6 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Epazote in Saline County, IL
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.
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 748 feet, Saline County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Epazote Planting Timeline — Saline County, IL
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Saline 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Epazote in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Epazote in Saline County, IL?
Saline County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, IL?
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Epazote in Saline County, IL?
In Saline County, IL, plant Epazote after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saline County, IL for Epazote?
Saline County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Epazote grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Epazote grow in Saline County's climate?
Yes — Epazote grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 24.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.