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When to plant Amaranth in Clay County, FL

Clay County's spring Amaranth window runs February 18 through March 11. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.

When to Plant Amaranth in Clay County, FL

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.

Clay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 282 days.

At an elevation of 122 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Amaranth may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Amaranth will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Amaranth root diseases.

Clay County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
282 days
Last Spring Frost February 18
282 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Clay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

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 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Clay County, FL

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 11
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

282 days in Clay County

Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, FL?

Clay County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clay County, FL?

Clay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is November 27.

When should I plant Amaranth in Clay County, FL?

In Clay County, FL, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around February 18) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clay County, FL for Amaranth?

Clay County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Amaranth grow in Clay County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 283-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 18 and first frost around November 27.

🌱

Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 9a). 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 Clay County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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