Growing
Sow your epazote seeds once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed, as this annual herb is highly sensitive to even light freezes. It thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Because a single plant is capable of setting fruit, you can easily grow this in containers to maximize your harvest. While it can tolerate partial shade, providing full sun will help the plant develop its characteristic pungent, medicinal aroma.
When it comes to harvesting, you should pick the leaves when they are ready to use, as the plant does not continue to ripen once it has been cut. You can use the leaves fresh in dishes like tamales or salsas, but be sure to wash them thoroughly before use. For longer-lasting flavor, you can dry the leaves or freeze them to preserve their potency. If you find the plant growing too tall, you can occasionally prune the upright stems to encourage more branching.