Epazote- Mexican Herb (seeds)
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is an intriguing herb commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Here’s how you can grow it:
Planting
Time
Plant epazote in late spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Location
Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
Spacing
Space plants at least 2 feet apart.
Companion Planting
Be cautious when planting near other young or tender plants, as epazote leaves contain a compound called ascaridole that can inhibit nearby plant growth.
Beneficial Odor
The strong odor of epazote helps deter pests from other susceptible plants.
Care
Light: Epazote thrives in full sun.
Soil: It’s adaptable to various soil types and pH levels (acidic to alkaline). Avoid poorly drained soil.
Water: Regular watering until established keeps it evenly moist.
Self-Seeding: Epazote self-seeds freely, so successive sowings every 2-3 weeks ensure a fresh supply of leaves.
Invasive: Be mindful of its invasive nature; consider growing it in containers.
Happy gardening!