When to Plant Amaranth in San Joaquin County, CA
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.
San Joaquin County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 305 days.
At an elevation of 220 feet, San Joaquin County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
San Joaquin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Amaranth Planting Timeline — San Joaquin County, CA
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 24 | Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 25 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
305 days
Growing Tips for San Joaquin County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in San Joaquin County, CA?
San Joaquin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Joaquin County, CA?
San Joaquin County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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