When to plant Amaranth in Eagle County County,
Plant Amaranth in Eagle County County, between June 23 and July 14 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (83 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Amaranth in Eagle County, CO
Your June planting checklist for Eagle County, Colorado
Each item below is timed to Eagle County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Plant out amaranth
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Outdoor sowing time: amaranth
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
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.
Eagle County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 7,116 feet, Eagle County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.
Eagle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth 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 Eagle County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Eagle County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.
How to Plant Amaranth
Amaranth Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Eagle 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 — Eagle County, CO
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Direct Sow | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | September 29 | Sep 29 – Nov 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Eagle County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Eagle County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after June 16 in Eagle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 83.0-day growing season in Eagle County is tight for Amaranth (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Eagle County receives only 24" 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 Eagle County, CO?
Eagle County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Eagle County, CO?
Eagle County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Amaranth in Eagle County County, ?
In Eagle County County, , plant Amaranth after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Eagle County County, for Amaranth?
Eagle County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Eagle County County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Eagle County County's temperate climate. Eagle County County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Eagle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Eagle County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.