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When to plant Amaranth in Mapleton, KS

Mapleton's climate puts the Amaranth spring window between April 15 and May 6. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.

When to Plant Amaranth in Mapleton, KS

Bourbon County, Kansas Zone 7a August

August to-do list for Bourbon County, Kansas

August is a pivotal month for Bourbon County, Kansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost April 8
Avg. first frost October 25
Soil temp (4") 84°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs
  1. Bring in the amaranth

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

Get ahead of September
  • 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.

Mapleton, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 438 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.

Mapleton, KS (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Mapleton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Sep 22

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 Mapleton

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Amaranth's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.

How to Plant Amaranth

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

Amaranth Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 808 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 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bourbon 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 ~1,444 GDD — county provides 2,750 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Mapleton, KS

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Sep 9

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 · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Bourbon County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Mapleton

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 08 in Bourbon 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 →

When should I plant Amaranth in Mapleton, KS?

In Mapleton, KS, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mapleton, KS for Amaranth?

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

Can Amaranth grow in Mapleton's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Mapleton's temperate climate. Mapleton averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Bourbon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bourbon 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 Bourbon County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.