When to plant Amaranth in Henderson County, IL
The best window to plant Amaranth in Henderson County, is April 24–May 15, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 17; first frost October 17.
When to Plant Amaranth in Henderson 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.
Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Henderson County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.
Henderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Henderson County, IL
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Henderson County
Growing Tips for Henderson 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
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Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Henderson County, IL?
Henderson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henderson County, IL?
Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Amaranth in Henderson County, IL?
In Henderson County, IL, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Henderson County, IL for Amaranth?
Henderson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Henderson County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Henderson County's temperate climate. Henderson County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.
Your Henderson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Henderson County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.