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When to plant Epazote in Harrison County, IA

Aim to plant Epazote in Harrison County on or after May 1; the window stays open through May 22. Harrison County's 169-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option.

When to Plant Epazote in Harrison County, IA

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.

Harrison County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 1,345 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 35.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Epazote to ensure they mature before fall.

Harrison County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Harrison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Epazote Planting Timeline — Harrison County, IA

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

169 days in Harrison County

Growing Tips for Harrison 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Epazote in Harrison County, IA?

Harrison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Harrison County, IA?

Harrison County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Epazote in Harrison County, IA?

In Harrison County, IA, plant Epazote after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Harrison County, IA for Epazote?

Harrison County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Epazote grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Epazote grow in Harrison County's climate?

Yes — Epazote grows well in Harrison County's temperate climate. Harrison County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 10.

🌱

Your Harrison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Harrison County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Harrison County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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