When to plant Amaranth in Benton County, MN
The best window to plant Amaranth in Benton County, is May 16–June 6, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 2; first frost October 6.
When to Plant Amaranth in Benton County, MN
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.
Benton County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 1,178 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39 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.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Benton County, MN
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Benton 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
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Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Benton County, MN?
Benton County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, MN?
Benton County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Amaranth in Benton County, MN?
In Benton County, MN, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, MN for Amaranth?
Benton County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Benton County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.