When to Plant Amaranth in Fresno County, CA
Your May planting checklist for Fresno County, California
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: 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.
Fresno County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 2,276 feet, Fresno County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Amaranth may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fresno County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
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 Fresno County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.5) is within Amaranth's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fresno County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fresno County). 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 — Fresno County, CA
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 23 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Fresno County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Fresno County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after March 02 in Fresno County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 100°F in Fresno County, provide afternoon shade for Amaranth and water deeply in the morning.
Fresno County receives only 15" of rain annually. Amaranth needs consistent moisture — 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Fresno County, CA?
Fresno County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fresno County, CA?
Fresno County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Fresno County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fresno County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.