Epazote Mexican Tea Plant

Light Needs

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Feature

Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly referred to as Mexican Tea, is a pungent herb traditionally used in teas and as a flavoring in Mexican and Latin American dishes. It's a perennial herb when grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-12, reaching nearly 3 ft in height and 24 inches wide. Epazote Mexican Tea Plant has oval leaves up to 4” long that range from medium green to yellow-green, sometimes with red on the green leaves. Both the stems and leaves have tiny glands that secrete an aromatic oil that has a musky scent. It is known to be a natural insect repellent in the garden. The fruits are small and green with black seeds. Consuming the seed oil is toxic to humans and animals. The flowering time for Epazote Mexican Tea is mid-summer to fall.

Epazote Mexican Tea Plant Care  

Plant Epazote Mexican Tea Plant in full to part sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), in well-draining soil. Remove spent flowers to reduce self-seeding. The flowers are wind pollinated, and the plant readily self-seeds. 

Growing Epazote Mexican Tea Plant 

Epazote Mexican Tea Plant can be either an annual or perennial depending on the hardiness zone it is grown in. If grown in colder climates, it is a self-seeding annual. It has an erect habit, growing up to 3 ft high and 24 inches wide. The upper and smaller side stems have 1-inch long spikes of stemless flowers in mid-summer to fall- you can avoid the seeds from forming by pinching these off and discarding them.  

Epazote Mexican Tea Plant can be more easily controlled if planted in containers due to its rapid growth rate. In containers, its bushy habit and leafy foliage are used as an aromatic filler plant.

Watering Epazote Mexican Tea Plant 

Epazote Mexican Tea Plant does best when the soil is kept moist but not soggy. It will tolerate occasional dry soils once established. Check moisture levels more frequently during the hot summer months and if planted in a container. 

Feeding Epazote Mexican Tea Plant 

Fertilization is not necessary if Epazote is planted in soil rich in organic matter. Add well-rotted manure to poor or clay soils.

SKU:

1231013336-pc