When to Plant Amaranth in Wrangell City and Borough, AK
Your May game plan for Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska
Your Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Time to transplant amaranth
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: amaranth
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.
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,533 feet, Wrangell City and Borough receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 59°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.
Wrangell City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Wrangell City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Amaranth prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wrangell City and Borough is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.1%) — Amaranth will thrive.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wrangell City and Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°F 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 Planting Timeline — Wrangell City and Borough, AK
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Wrangell City and Borough
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Wrangell City and Borough
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 23 in Wrangell City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Wrangell City and Borough, AK?
Wrangell City and Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wrangell City and Borough, AK?
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Wrangell City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wrangell City and Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.