When to Plant Amaranth in Ventura County, CA
Ventura County, California gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Ventura County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Get ahead of 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.
Ventura County, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 2,094 feet, Ventura County receives approximately 19.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ventura County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.7
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 Ventura County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.7) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ventura County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 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" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ventura 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 — Ventura County, CA
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Ventura County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Ventura County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after March 18 in Ventura County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Ventura County receives only 19" 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 Ventura County, CA?
Ventura County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ventura County, CA?
Ventura County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Ventura County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ventura County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.