Epazote Growing Guide
Growing Epazote is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Herb
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Tender
Cold Hardiness
Survives to 2°C
Plant Family
Amaranthaceae
Growing Season
Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
How to Start It
★ Recommended for beginners
Surface-sow direct once the soil is warm (it needs light), thin to 30 cm, and stand back — it grows fast and tall and will reseed itself next year.
A pungent Mexican herb used to flavour (and ease the gas of) bean dishes. It self-seeds aggressively, so one plant is usually all you ever need to sow. Use it sparingly — a little goes a long way.
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
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Last Chance to Plant
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When should you plant Epazote?
Your planting dates depend on your local climate. Sign up and add your location to unlock personalized dates.
Your Epazote Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Epazote's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Epazote thrives on heat, sun and neglect.
- 2Pinch the tips to keep it from getting too leggy, and pull most flower heads before they seed unless you want a patch of it forever.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~60
Days to Maturity
100 cm
Mature Height
45 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
90 days
When to Pick
Pick leaves anytime; flavour is strongest before flowering
How to Harvest
- 1Snip leafy sprigs as needed — pick before it flowers for the best flavour, and remember a small amount flavours a whole pot.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Leave a plant to flower and set its tiny seeds, then strip the dried heads. It self-seeds prolifically — often too much.
Seed Production
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