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When to plant Amaranth in Gibson County, IN

The best window to plant Amaranth in Gibson County, is April 13–May 4, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 6; first frost October 28.

When to Plant Amaranth in Gibson County, IN

Gibson County, Indiana Zone 7a July

July in Gibson County, Indiana — your action list

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost April 6
Avg. first frost October 28
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.4 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for amaranth

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

Coming up in August — start thinking about
  • First harvests: amaranth

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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.

Gibson County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 652 feet, Gibson County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.

Gibson County, IN (Zone 7a) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Gibson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Aug 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Sep 21

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Gibson County

How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Amaranth's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Gibson County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Amaranth will thrive.

How to Plant Amaranth

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Amaranth Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 389 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Amaranth Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Amaranth needs ~1,916 GDD — county provides 3,741 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Gibson County, IN

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 – May 4
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 – Sep 7

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

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

205 days in Gibson County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Gibson County

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 06 in Gibson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

General growing tips

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 Gibson County, IN?

Gibson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gibson County, IN?

Gibson County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Amaranth in Gibson County, IN?

In Gibson County, IN, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gibson County, IN for Amaranth?

Gibson 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 Gibson County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Gibson County's temperate climate. Gibson County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 28.

🌱

Your Gibson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gibson 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 Gibson County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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