When to plant Amaranth in Mitchell County County,
The best window to plant Amaranth in Mitchell County County, is May 10–May 31, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 3; first frost October 7.
When to Plant Amaranth in Mitchell County, IA
Your June gardening checklist
Your Mitchell County, Iowa garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Time to start amaranth inside
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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.
Mitchell County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 506 feet, Mitchell County receives approximately 36.1 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.
Mitchell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth Planting Risk Windows
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 Mitchell County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.3) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mitchell County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Amaranth will thrive.
How to Plant Amaranth
Amaranth Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Mitchell 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 Planting Timeline — Mitchell County, IA
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Oct 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Mitchell County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Mitchell County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after May 03 in Mitchell 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Mitchell County, IA?
Mitchell County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mitchell County, IA?
Mitchell County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Amaranth in Mitchell County, ?
In Mitchell County, , plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mitchell County, for Amaranth?
Mitchell County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Mitchell County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Mitchell County's temperate climate. Mitchell County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 7.
Your Mitchell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mitchell County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.