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When to plant Amaranth in Anthony, FL

For Anthony, gardeners: plant Amaranth February 15 through March 8 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Amaranth in Anthony, FL

Marion County, Florida Zone 9a July

July to-do list for Marion County, Florida

July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Marion County, Florida.

Avg. last frost February 15
Avg. first frost December 1
Soil temp (4") 96°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.7 hrs
  1. Collect amaranth at their peak

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

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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.

Anthony, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.

At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°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.

Anthony, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
289 days
Last Spring Frost February 15
289 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Anthony Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (143 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 26 Transplant: Feb 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (142 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 4 Transplant: Feb 22 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jul 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Aug 9

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 Anthony

How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Amaranth prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Marion County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Amaranth will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Amaranth.

How to Plant Amaranth

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Amaranth Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,333 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Marion 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 needs ~2,389 GDD — county provides 6,597 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Anthony, FL

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 18
Transplant Outdoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Direct Sow February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 8
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Jul 12

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

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

289 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Anthony

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after February 15 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Marion County dries quickly — mulch Amaranth with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 97°F in Marion County, provide afternoon shade for Amaranth and water deeply in the morning.

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Amaranth in Anthony, FL?

In Anthony, FL, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Anthony, FL for Amaranth?

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

Can Amaranth grow in Anthony's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Anthony's temperate climate. Anthony averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.

🌱

Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marion 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 Marion County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.