When to plant Amaranth in Bay County, MI
Bay County's spring Amaranth window runs May 17 through June 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Amaranth in Bay County, MI
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.
Bay County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 835 feet, Bay County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.
Bay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Bay County, MI
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Oct 11 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Bay County
Growing Tips for Bay 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 Bay County, MI?
Bay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bay County, MI?
Bay County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Amaranth in Bay County, MI?
In Bay County, MI, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bay County, MI for Amaranth?
Bay 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 Bay County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Bay County's temperate climate. Bay County averages a 150-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 7.
Your Bay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bay 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.