When to plant Amaranth in St. Clair County, IL
St. Clair County gardeners should plant Amaranth between April 9 and April 30 in spring. With St. Clair County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 2), Amaranth needs 90–120 days to mature — plant by July 5 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Amaranth in St. Clair 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.
St. Clair County, 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.
St. Clair County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth Planting Timeline — St. Clair County, 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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 St. Clair 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in St. Clair County, IL?
St. Clair County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Clair County, IL?
St. Clair County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Amaranth in St. Clair County, IL?
In St. Clair County, 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 St. Clair County, IL for Amaranth?
St. Clair County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in St. Clair County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in St. Clair County's temperate climate. St. Clair County 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.