Here is what Epazote needs to thrive.

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Epazote

Dysphania ambrosioides

Zones 9–13

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.

Stats
Sunfull sun
Watermedium
Grow time45–90 days
Height1–3ft
Spacing6–12in
Light
Full sun✓
Part shade✓
Shade✗
Traits
Life cycleannual
Categoryherb
Growth habitupright
Seasonwarm
Frost tolerancetender
Height1–3ft
Spacing6–12in
Days to maturity45–90
Growing
Watermedium
Drainagewell drained
Soil ph min6.0
Soil ph max7.5
Propagation
Seed✓
Cutting✗
Division✗
Graft✗
Tuber bulb crown✗
Transplant✗
Container ok✓
Pollinationself fertile
Pollinator friendly✓
Toxic parts
Leaves✓
Seeds✓
Raw✓
Post harvest
Wash before storing✓
Ripens off plant✗
Curing daysnone
Shelf life3–7d
Storage methods
Room temp✗
Cool dark✗
Fridge✓
Freeze✓
Can✗
Dry✓
Ferment pickle✓
Blanch before freezing✗
Calendar, zone 7
Not suited to zone 7. Grows in zones 9–13.