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When to plant Amaranth in Will County County,

Plant Amaranth in Will County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 30. Continue planting through May 21 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Amaranth in Will 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.

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.

Will County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Will County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.2

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Will County, IL

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 – May 21
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 – Sep 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July
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

177 days in Will County

Growing Tips for Will 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 Will County, IL?

Will County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Will County, IL?

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Amaranth in Will County County, ?

In Will County County, , plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Will County County, for Amaranth?

Will County 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 Will County County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Will County County's temperate climate. Will County County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Will County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Will 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.

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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 Will County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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