When to Plant Amaranth in Gunnison County, CO
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.
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.
At an elevation of 7,435 feet, Gunnison County receives approximately 17.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gunnison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
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 — Gunnison County, CO
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | July 3 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
| Direct Sow | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Harvest | October 2 | Oct 2 – Nov 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
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 4a
Growing Season
90 days
Growing Tips for Gunnison 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 Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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