When to plant Epazote in Franklin County, KS
In Franklin County, plant Epazote in spring between April 19 and May 10, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Franklin County's last frost averages April 12, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 45–60 days before the first frost on October 25.
When to Plant Epazote in Franklin County, KS
Your June planting checklist for Franklin County, Kansas
Welcome to June in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Collect epazote at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: epazote
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.
Franklin County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 834 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 24.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Epazote Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) is within Epazote's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Epazote — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Epazote will thrive.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
Epazote Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Epazote
Epazote needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Epazote Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Epazote Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Epazote Planting Timeline — Franklin County, KS
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 9 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Epazote in Franklin County
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after April 12 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 196.0-day season in Franklin County allows multiple plantings of Epazote. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Franklin County receives only 24" of rain annually. Epazote needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Franklin County, KS?
Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, KS?
Franklin County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Epazote in Franklin County, KS?
In Franklin County, KS, plant Epazote after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, KS for Epazote?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Epazote grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Epazote grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Epazote grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 25.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.