When to Plant Amaranth in Jerome County, ID
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.
Jerome County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 6,306 feet, Jerome County receives approximately 13.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Jerome County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Jerome County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Jerome County, ID
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Oct 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Jerome County
Growing Tips for Jerome 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
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Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Jerome County, ID?
Jerome County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jerome County, ID?
Jerome County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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