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When to plant Amaranth in Eustis,

Eustis's spring Amaranth window runs February 12 through March 5. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.

When to Plant Amaranth in Eustis, FL

Eustis, FL Zone 9b June

Your June planting checklist for Eustis, FL

June is a pivotal month for Eustis, FL gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost February 12
Avg. first frost December 11
Soil temp (4") 86°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs
  1. Start harvesting amaranth

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

July will be here before you know it — start on
  • First harvests: amaranth

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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.

Eustis, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.

At an elevation of 130 feet, Lake County receives approximately 56.1 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.

Eustis, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
302 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
302 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11
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Eustis Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (161 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 15 Transplant: Feb 2 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 1 Transplant: Feb 19 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jul 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 23 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Jul 31

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 Eustis

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.1–5.7) is more acidic than Amaranth prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Lake 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 (1.4%). 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 1,409 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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Lake 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 6,893 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Eustis, FL

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 15
Transplant Outdoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 – Mar 5
Harvest May 21 May 21 – Jul 9

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
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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 9b

📆 Growing Season

302 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Eustis

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after February 12 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Lake 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 Lake 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 Eustis, ?

In Eustis, , plant Amaranth after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Eustis, for Amaranth?

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

Can Amaranth grow in Eustis's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Eustis's temperate climate. Eustis averages a 303-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 11.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

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