When to Plant Epazote in St. Bernard Parish, LA
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for epazote
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 312 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, St. Bernard Parish receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°F, so Epazote may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Epazote will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Epazote root diseases.
St. Bernard Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 St. Bernard Parish
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Epazote prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Epazote will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Epazote prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Epazote.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 12 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Bernard 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 — St. Bernard Parish, LA
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | March 30 | Mar 30 – May 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
312 days in St. Bernard Parish
Growing Tips for Epazote in St. Bernard Parish
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after February 02 in St. Bernard Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish dries quickly — mulch Epazote with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 104°F in St. Bernard Parish, provide afternoon shade for Epazote and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 313.0-day season in St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 11.
Your St. Bernard Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Bernard Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.