When to Plant Amaranth in Pueblo County, CO
Pueblo County, Colorado gardeners: here's your April plan
Your garden in Pueblo County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this April.
May prep starts now
- Transplants going out: amaranth
- Direct-sowing: 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.
Pueblo County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 4,607 feet, Pueblo County receives approximately 14.1 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.
Pueblo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
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 Pueblo County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.9) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pueblo County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Pueblo 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 — Pueblo County, CO
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Oct 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
153 days in Pueblo County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Pueblo County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after May 07 in Pueblo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Pueblo County receives only 14" 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 Pueblo County, CO?
Pueblo County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pueblo County, CO?
Pueblo County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Pueblo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pueblo County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.