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When to Plant Amaranth in Miami 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.

Miami County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 689 feet, Miami County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.

Miami County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Miami County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Sep 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Aug 10 – Sep 28

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 Miami County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5โ€“7.7) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) 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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 933 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€” 0.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Miami County). 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 ~1,680 GDD — county provides 3,136 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline โ€” Miami County, KS

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 โ€“ Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 10
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Sep 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
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 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

196 days in Miami County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Miami County

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 12 in Miami County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Miami County receives only 22" 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Amaranth in Miami County, KS?

Miami County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Miami County, KS?

Miami County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Miami County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Miami County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.