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When to plant Amaranth in Saint Libory, IL

Aim to plant Amaranth in Saint Libory on or after April 9; the window stays open through April 30. Saint Libory's 214-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.

When to Plant Amaranth in Saint Libory, 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.

Saint Libory, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 711 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.

Saint Libory, IL (Zone 7a) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
214 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Saint Libory Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in St. Clair County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Saint Libory, IL

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 – Sep 3

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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

214 days in St. Clair County

Growing Tips for Saint Libory

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 Saint Libory, IL?

In Saint Libory, IL, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Saint Libory, IL for Amaranth?

Saint Libory sits in USDA Zone 7a. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Amaranth grow in Saint Libory's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Saint Libory's temperate climate. Saint Libory averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 2.

🌱

Your St. Clair County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for St. Clair County (Zone 7a). 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 St. Clair County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.