When to Plant Amaranth in USDA Zone 8b
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.
In Zone 8b, the average last spring frost is around February 25 and the first fall frost is around November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Zone 8b
Where Is USDA Zone 8b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8b. Click any state to see the Amaranth planting schedule for that location.
Amaranth Planting Calendar — Zone 8b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
15°F to 20°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
276 days (Zone 8b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Zone 8b
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
Saving Amaranth Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Amaranth in Other Zones
Amaranth by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Zone 8b?
In Zone 8b, plan your Amaranth planting around the average last frost date of February 25. Start seeds indoors around January 7. Direct sow outdoors around March 4. Transplant seedlings around March 11.
Can Amaranth grow in Zone 8b?
Yes, Amaranth can grow well in Zone 8b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 8b has a growing season of approximately 276 days, which is sufficient for Amaranth (90-120 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Amaranth in Zone 8b?
In Zone 8b, expect to harvest Amaranth from June 10 – July 29. Amaranth takes 90-120 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8b is around February 25, and the first fall frost is around November 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 276 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Amaranth?
Good companion plants for Amaranth include Corn, Tomatoes, Eggplant. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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