mature epazote in pots is a great way to bask this herbaceous plant without worrying about it take over your garden . Epazote , also known as Chenopodium ambrosioides or Mexican tea leaf , is a versatile herbaceous plant normally used in Mexican cuisine . It has a secure , acrid flavor that is often described as a commixture between mint and citrous fruit .

Here ’s a step - by - step template on how to successfully grow epazote in pots :

1 . Choose the correct container : Select a pot that is at least 12 inches abstruse and has undecomposed drainage . Epazote has a long taproot , so a mysterious sess will provide enough room for it to grow . check that the good deal has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging .

2 . Select the right soil : Epazote prefers well - drain territory with a slightly acidulent to neutral pH. you may use a mix of potting soil and perlite or backbone to improve drainage . deflect using heavy clay soils as they keep back too much moisture .

3 . Start from seed or organ transplant : you could either start epazote from seeds or buy untested plants from a nursery . If starting from seeds , sow them directly in the pot or seed tray , about 1/4 inch abstruse . Keep the soil consistently moist until sprouting occurs , which usually takes around 7 - 14 mean solar day . Thin the seedling to one plant per muckle once they have grown a few inches tall .

4 . render copious sunlight : Epazote thrive in full Lord’s Day , so choose a sunny spot for your potted flora . Place the pot where it will receive at least 6 - 8 hr of direct sunlight each Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . If you do n’t have memory access to full sun , epazote can bear partial shade , but it may not grow as vigorously .

5 . Watering and fertilizing : Epazote opt moderate watering . Allow the top in of dirt to dry out out between lachrymation , then water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot . Overwatering can guide to antecedent rot , so be mindful of not observe the land too wet . Fertilize the plant every 4 - 6 weeks with a balanced , water - soluble fertiliser , stick to the computer software instructions for dosage .

6 . Prune on a regular basis : To encourage bushy emergence , pilfer off the lead of your epazote plant on a regular basis . This will also help prevent it from becoming leggy . you’re able to use the pruned folio in your cooking or dry out them for late employment .

7 . Harvesting and using epazote : Epazote leaves can be glean as soon as the plant reach about 6 - 8 inches in pinnacle . Simply lop off the leaves as needed , leaving a few stem intact to appropriate the plant life to continue growing . Use the sweet leaves in your recipes , or dry out them for long - term storage .

8 . Overwintering : In colder climates , epazote is not frost - resistant and will give way back in winter . Before the first hoarfrost , bring your potted epazote indoors and place it in a gay spot . Reduce watering during the dormant period , and trim back any leggy growth . The plant life will likely go dormant but should regrow when outflow arrives .

spring up epazote in plenty is a convenient direction to savour this flavorful herbaceous plant without the endangerment of it spreading uncontrollably in your garden . With right aid and aid to its growing requirements , you’re able to have a bountiful provision of fresh epazote leaves for your culinary instauration .

Caroline Bates