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When to plant Amaranth in Spalding County, GA

Plant Amaranth in Spalding County from April 8 to April 29 in spring. Spalding County sits in USDA Zone 8b, with last frost around April 1 and first frost on November 3.

When to Plant Amaranth in Spalding County, GA

Spalding County, Georgia Zone 8b July

This month in Spalding County, Georgia

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Spalding County, Georgia this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost April 1
Avg. first frost November 3
Soil temp (4") 84°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
  1. Start harvesting amaranth

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

August 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.

Spalding County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 468 feet, Spalding County receives approximately 51.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Amaranth, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Amaranth root diseases.

Spalding County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Spalding County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (65 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Aug 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 18

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 Spalding County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Spalding County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.

How to Plant Amaranth

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

Amaranth Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 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 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Spalding 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 ~1,995 GDD — county provides 4,104 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Spalding County, GA

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Direct Sow April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 29
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 – Sep 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Spalding County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Spalding County

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 01 in Spalding County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Spalding County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Amaranth. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Amaranth in Spalding County, GA?

Spalding County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Spalding County, GA?

Spalding County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Amaranth in Spalding County, GA?

In Spalding County, GA, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Spalding County, GA for Amaranth?

Spalding County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Amaranth grow in Spalding County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Spalding County's temperate climate. Spalding County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Spalding County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Spalding County (Zone 8b). 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 Spalding County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.