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When to plant Amaranth in Mono County, CA

Plant Amaranth in Mono County during the brief June 25–July 16 window. With 63 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before August 20.

When to Plant Amaranth in Mono County, CA

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.

Mono County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is August 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.

At an elevation of 2,381 feet, Mono County receives approximately 13.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Mono County, CA (Zone 6b) Very short season
63 days
Last Spring Frost June 18
63 growing days
First Fall Frost August 20

Mono County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6-7.5

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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 0.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
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 0.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Oct 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Mono County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Mono County, CA

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Transplant Outdoors July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16
Direct Sow June 25 Jun 25 – Jul 16
Harvest October 1 Oct 1 – Nov 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors
June Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August
September
October Harvest
November Harvest
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

63 days in Mono County

Growing Tips for Mono 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 Mono County, CA?

Mono County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mono County, CA?

Mono County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is August 20.

When should I plant Amaranth in Mono County, CA?

In Mono County, CA, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around June 18) and before the first frost (around August 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mono County, CA for Amaranth?

Mono County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Amaranth grow in Mono County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Mono County's temperate climate. Mono County averages a 63-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 18 and first frost around August 20.

🌱

Your Mono County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mono County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Mono County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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