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When to Plant Amaranth in Greeley County, KS

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.

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 963 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.

Greeley County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Greeley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Sep 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 14

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 Greeley County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2โ€“7.2) is within Amaranth's preferred range (6.0โ€“7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Greeley County is excellent for Amaranth โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.

How to Plant Amaranth

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

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,317 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Amaranth needs ~1,601 GDD — county provides 2,485 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline โ€” Greeley County, KS

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 28
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Oct 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 2-3 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

163 days in Greeley County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Greeley County

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 30 in Greeley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Greeley County receives only 21" of rain annually. Amaranth needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Amaranth in Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greeley County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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