When to Plant Epazote in Catahoula Parish, LA
May in the garden — Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
A quick May briefing for Catahoula Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Pick epazote
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 73 feet, Catahoula Parish receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Epazote root diseases.
Catahoula Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Catahoula Parish
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.1) is within Epazote's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Catahoula Parish is excellent for Epazote — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Epazote.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Catahoula Parish). 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 — Catahoula Parish, LA
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Catahoula Parish
Growing Tips for Epazote in Catahoula Parish
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after March 05 in Catahoula Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 256.0-day season in Catahoula Parish allows multiple plantings of Epazote. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
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 Catahoula Parish, LA?
Catahoula Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catahoula Parish, LA?
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Catahoula Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Catahoula Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.