When to Plant Epazote in Donley County, TX
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.
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 4,196 feet, Donley County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°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.
Donley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Epazote
Epazote needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Epazote Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Donley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Epazote Planting Timeline — Donley County, TX
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Aug 4 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Donley County
Growing Tips for Donley 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 →
Epazote in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Epazote in Donley County, TX?
Donley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Donley County, TX?
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Donley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Donley 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.