Botanical profile

Epazote

Latin name
Dysphania ambrosioides
Common name
Epazote
Type
Annual aromatic herb
Family
Amaranthaceae

Epazote is an annual aromatic herb highly prized for its powerful, herbaceous, and slightly resinous aroma, typical of Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Its serrated green foliage emits a distinctive scent that pairs particularly well with beans, stews, soups, quesadillas, sauces, vegetables, and spicy dishes. Original and full of character, it integrates very well into vegetable gardens, herb gardens, edible containers, and pots near the kitchen.

Easy to grow, epazote prefers a warm, sunny location in light, well-drained, and moderately fertile soil. It tolerates drier conditions quite well once established, making it an interesting plant for sunny vegetable gardens and low-maintenance herb gardens. Regular harvesting of young leaves helps maintain a more compact plant and provides more tender and aromatic foliage throughout the season.

Widely used as a traditional herb, epazote is ideal for gardeners who want to grow different and authentic culinary plants. As its taste is quite pronounced, it is generally used in small quantities to flavor dishes without overpowering them. It is an excellent plant for adding diversity, fragrance, and an exotic touch to a gourmet garden, while enriching homemade recipes with a unique and sought-after flavor.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Potent aromatic foliage used in Mexican cuisine
Vegetable garden, herbs, container, Mexican cuisine, edible garden
Container growing
Container culture is excellent in a well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Harvest young leaves as needed; prune to maintain a compact shape; deadhead to limit self-seeding
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to medium moisture; tolerates slightly dry soil once established
Fertilization
Light compost at sowing; avoid excessive fertilizer
Soil type
Light to medium soil, fertile and well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
32 °F
Propagation method
No-till farming
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to Fall
Flower color
Pale green
Fruiting
Seeds at the end of the season
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Upright, branched, and aromatic habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in.)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Beans, corn, squash, chili peppers
Plants to avoid
Avoid near herbs sensitive to strong aromas (e.g. basil)
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
July to October
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.