Epazote in Zone 8a & 8b
Dysphania ambrosioides
Yes, epazote grows in zones 8a and 8b. Plant it outside Mar 25–Apr 1.
When to plant epazote in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar 25–Apr 1 |
| Estimated harvest | May 24–May 31 (~60 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: about 2 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 8b
These go outside within two weeks of epazote in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilApr 8–Apr 15
- BorageMar 25–Apr 1
- DillMar 18–Mar 25
- RosemaryApr 8–Apr 15
- American GinsengMar 25–Apr 1
- AniseMar 25–Apr 1
Epazote is the herb that goes into a pot of black beans in Mexican cooking, and it is the one herb here that comes with a genuine caution attached.
How epazote fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Epazote needs about 60 days from sowing to first harvest.
Epazote planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Jul 14–Jul 21 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | Jul 9–Jul 16 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Jun 24–Jul 1 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Jun 9–Jun 16 |
| 8a & 8b (your zone) | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | May 24–May 31 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 15–Feb 22 | Apr 16–Apr 23 |
| 10a & 10b | Not usually | Jan 30–Feb 6 | Mar 31–Apr 7 |
| 11a & 11b | Not usually | Jan 1–Jan 8 | Mar 2–Mar 9 |
Harvest dates are about 60 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for epazote.
Where to buy epazote seeds
True Leaf Market (each supplier's epazote seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing epazote" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 8b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Epazote in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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