When to plant Amaranth in Otter Tail County County,
In Otter Tail County County, Amaranth is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 25–June 15 for an 120-day harvest, finishing well before the September 28 first frost.
When to Plant Amaranth in Otter Tail County, MN
Your June game plan for Otter Tail County, Minnesota
A quick June briefing for Otter Tail County, Minnesota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Time to transplant amaranth
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: 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.
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 571 feet, Otter Tail County receives approximately 40.3 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.
Otter Tail County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth 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 Otter Tail County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) is within Amaranth's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Otter Tail County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — Amaranth will thrive.
How to Plant Amaranth
Amaranth Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Otter Tail County). 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 — Otter Tail County, MN
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Oct 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Otter Tail County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Otter Tail County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after May 11 in Otter Tail County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Amaranth in Otter Tail County, ?
In Otter Tail County, , plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Otter Tail County, for Amaranth?
Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Otter Tail County's temperate climate. Otter Tail County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 28.
Your Otter Tail County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Otter Tail 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.