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When to plant Amaranth in Monroe County, FL

Amaranth planted in Monroe County between January 1 and January 22 matures in 90–120 days — well before the December 31 first frost.

When to Plant Amaranth in Monroe 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.

Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.

At an elevation of 169 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 55.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season. 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.

Monroe County, FL (Zone 11b) Year-round
365 days
Last Spring Frost No frost
365 growing days
First Fall Frost No frost

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Monroe County, FL

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors November 20 Nov 20 – Dec 4
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest April 9 Apr 9 – May 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 11b

📆 Growing Season

365 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, FL?

Monroe County is in Zone 11b with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, FL?

Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.

When should I plant Amaranth in Monroe County, FL?

In Monroe County, FL, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, FL for Amaranth?

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

Can Amaranth grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.

🌱

Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 11b). 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 Monroe County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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