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When to Plant Amaranth in Delaware County, NY

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.

Delaware County, New York is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.

Delaware County, NY (Zone 5a) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Delaware County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.5

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 โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 3.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 4.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Delaware County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Amaranth Planting Timeline โ€” Delaware County, NY

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jun 8
Direct Sow May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 8
Harvest August 24 Aug 24 โ€“ Oct 12

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

150 days in Delaware County

Growing Tips for Delaware 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Amaranth in Delaware County, NY?

Delaware County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Delaware County, NY?

Delaware County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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