When to Plant Amaranth in East Feliciana Parish, LA
Your May gardening checklist
Your East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Harvest amaranth as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: amaranth
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.
East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 288 days.
At an elevation of 75 feet, East Feliciana Parish receives approximately 55.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Amaranth may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Amaranth will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Amaranth root diseases.
East Feliciana Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 East Feliciana Parish
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Amaranth prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in East Feliciana Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Amaranth will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Amaranth.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in East Feliciana Parish). 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 — East Feliciana Parish, LA
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 6 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 10 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jul 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
288 days in East Feliciana Parish
Growing Tips for Amaranth in East Feliciana Parish
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after February 17 in East Feliciana Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in East Feliciana Parish dries quickly — mulch Amaranth with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in East Feliciana Parish, provide afternoon shade for Amaranth and water deeply in the morning.
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 East Feliciana Parish, LA?
East Feliciana Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is East Feliciana Parish, LA?
East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 2.
Your East Feliciana Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for East Feliciana Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.