When to plant Amaranth in Cook County, MN
In Cook County, Amaranth is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 3–June 24 for an 90–120-day harvest, finishing well before the September 29 first frost.
When to Plant Amaranth in Cook 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.
Cook County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 1,068 feet, Cook County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.
Cook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Cook County, MN
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | September 9 | Sep 9 – Oct 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Cook County
Growing Tips for Cook 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 Cook County, MN?
Cook County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cook County, MN?
Cook County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Amaranth in Cook County, MN?
In Cook County, MN, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cook County, MN for Amaranth?
Cook County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Cook County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Cook County's temperate climate. Cook County averages a 132-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 29.
Your Cook County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cook County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.