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When to Plant Amaranth in Dillingham Census Area, AK

Amaranth is an ancient grain crop with edible leaves and seeds, rich in protein and micronutrients. It thrives in warm conditions and is drought-tolerant once established.

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.

At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Amaranth root diseases.

Dillingham Census Area, AK (Zone 3a) Short season
128 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
128 growing days
First Fall Frost September 6

Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Sep 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Sep 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Sep 9

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Dillingham Census Area

How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0โ€“6.2) is more acidic than Amaranth prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Amaranth โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) โ€” Amaranth will thrive.

How to Plant Amaranth

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Amaranth

Amaranth needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Amaranth Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.3" 2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 7.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 9.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct โ€” 6.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 4.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Dillingham Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Amaranth Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Amaranth needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Amaranth Planting Timeline โ€” Dillingham Census Area, AK

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 โ€“ Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5
Direct Sow May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jun 5
Harvest August 21 Aug 21 โ€“ Sep 25

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: too_acidic

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 3a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

128 days in Dillingham Census Area

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Dillingham Census Area

Your 128.0-day growing season in Dillingham Census Area is tight for Amaranth (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart. Harvest leaves when young and tender; harvest seeds when flower heads begin to dry.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Amaranth in Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?

Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dillingham Census Area gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dillingham Census Area, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.