Everything about the Epazote Plant

Epazote

Common Name: Epazote, Mexican tea, wormseed

Latin Name: Dysphania ambrosioides

Family: Amaranthaceae

Plant Time: -

Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 18 in. wide

Sun Preference: Full sun

Soil Preference: Well-drained, acidic, neotral or alkaline soil

Bloom Time: Summer, Fall

Flower Color: Green

Native Area: Central America, South America

Toxicity: non-toxic in small doses

Growth Rate: -

Wildlife Value: -

Table of Contents

Welcome to the vibrant world of Epazote, a unique herb with a bold flavor and a long history in traditional Mexican cooking. Also known as Dysphania ambrosioides, this plant might not be as familiar as basil or cilantro, but once you learn about it, you’ll see why it’s such a cool addition to any herb garden.

Growing epazote is straightforward, and its distinctive scent, easy care, and culinary versatility make it an exciting choice for adventurous gardeners and chefs alike.

Popular Epazote Varieties:

  • Common Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)
  • Epazote de Zorrillo (a wilder version with a stronger scent)

Care

  • Water: Mature Epazote enjoys a bit of dryness, while younger seedlings need regular watering. Once they are established, let the soil dry out between waterings, as these plants don’t like sitting in too much water. Overwatering can lead to root problems, so be careful!
  • Light: This plant loves soaking up the sun. Make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight each day—at least six hours. If it’s super hot outside, giving it some afternoon shade will keep it happy.
  • Soil: Epazote grows best in well-drained soil, just like a lot of herbs. A sandy or slightly gritty soil works well. As far as pH levels go, this plant does well in pretty much all types.
  • Temperature: Epazote thrives in warm weather. It prefers temperatures between 15-30°F. It’s not a fan of frost, so if it gets chilly where you live, make sure to protect it.

Planting & Growing

Epazote is easy to start from seeds or cuttings (rooted in water). Wait until the frost danger has passed, then plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart. Epazote is a fast grower and will usually be ready to harvest in about 50-70 days. Once it’s established, this plant is low maintenance and can even reseed itself year after year.

Pruning

Epazote can grow wild if left unchecked, so pruning is key! Pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage fuller, bushier growth. This keeps your plant from getting too leggy and makes sure it stays healthy. Remove any yellow or dying leaves as you see them to keep your epazote looking fresh.

Common Pests

While epazote is generally pretty pest-resistant, these tiny bugs can show up from time to time. Keep an eye on your plant and wash off any pests with a spray of water or try an organic insecticide if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does epazote like shade or sun?

Epazote loves full sun and grows best in well-drained soil. It’s happiest in sunny spots with average soil conditions.

Is epazote hard to grow?

Epazote is easy to grow and isn’t fussy about soil. It just needs plenty of sunlight to thrive.

Is epazote a perennial or annual plant?

Epazote is a perennial in warmer zones (8 to 10) but grows as an annual in colder zones (2 to 7). It prefers sunny conditions and well-drained soil.

Is epazote invasive?

Epazote can spread quickly by self-seeding, so it might become invasive if not controlled. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from taking over your garden.

Planting calendar

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