When to Plant Epazote in New Madrid County, MO
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in New Madrid County, Missouri this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Begin indoor sowing: epazote
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in 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.
New Madrid County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, New Madrid County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.
New Madrid County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 New Madrid County
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Epazote's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in New Madrid County is excellent for Epazote — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Epazote.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in New Madrid 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 — New Madrid County, MO
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
217 days in New Madrid County
Growing Tips for Epazote in New Madrid County
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after March 30 in New Madrid County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 217.0-day season in New Madrid County 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 New Madrid County, MO?
New Madrid County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is New Madrid County, MO?
New Madrid County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your New Madrid County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for New Madrid County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.