When to plant Amaranth in Waldo County, ME
The best window to plant Amaranth in Waldo County, is May 15–June 5, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 8; first frost October 6.
When to Plant Amaranth in Waldo County, ME
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.
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 966 feet, Waldo County receives approximately 46 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.
Waldo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Waldo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Waldo County, ME
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 9 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Waldo County
Growing Tips for Waldo County
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 Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Amaranth in Waldo County, ME?
In Waldo County, ME, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Waldo County, ME for Amaranth?
Waldo County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Waldo County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Waldo County's temperate climate. Waldo County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Waldo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Waldo County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.