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When to plant Amaranth in Thomas County County,

For Thomas County County, gardeners: plant Amaranth May 7 through May 28 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Amaranth in Thomas County, KS

Thomas County, Kansas Zone 6a June

What to do in June

Your garden in Thomas County, Kansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost April 30
Avg. first frost October 12
Soil temp (4") 71°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs
  1. Start amaranth under lights

    Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.

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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.

Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 810 feet, Thomas County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.

Thomas County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Thomas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Aug 27 – Oct 15

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 Thomas County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.8–7.5) is within Amaranth's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — 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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 578 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Thomas 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 ~1,680 GDD — county provides 2,640 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Thomas County, KS

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 – May 28
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 – Oct 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

165 days in Thomas County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Thomas County

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 30 in Thomas 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 Thomas County, KS?

Thomas County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Thomas County, KS?

Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Amaranth in Thomas County, ?

In Thomas County, , plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Thomas County, for Amaranth?

Thomas 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 Thomas County's climate?

Yes — Amaranth grows well in Thomas County's temperate climate. Thomas County averages a 165-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 12.

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Your Thomas County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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