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When to plant Amaranth in Fayette County, IL

Spring Amaranth in Fayette County goes in April 19–May 10, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Amaranth in Fayette County, IL

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.

Fayette County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 854 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.

Fayette County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Fayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Fayette County, IL

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 – May 10
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Sep 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

189 days in Fayette County

Growing Tips for Fayette 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 Fayette County, IL?

Fayette County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fayette County, IL?

Fayette County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Amaranth in Fayette County, IL?

In Fayette County, IL, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fayette County, IL for Amaranth?

Fayette County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Amaranth grow in Fayette County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette County (Zone 6b). 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 Fayette County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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