When to plant Amaranth in Forrest County, MS
Plant Amaranth in Forrest County from March 13 to April 3 in spring. Forrest County sits in USDA Zone 8b, with last frost around March 6 and first frost on November 21.
When to Plant Amaranth in Forrest County, MS
Your June gardening checklist
Welcome to June in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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It's harvest week for amaranth
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: 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.
Forrest County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.
At an elevation of 125 feet, Forrest County receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Amaranth, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Forrest County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Forrest County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Forrest County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.
How to Plant Amaranth
Amaranth Water Budget
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Forrest 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 — Forrest County, MS
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
260 days in Forrest County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Forrest County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after March 06 in Forrest County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Forrest County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Amaranth. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Forrest County, MS?
Forrest County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Forrest County, MS?
Forrest County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 21.
When should I plant Amaranth in Forrest County, MS?
In Forrest County, MS, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Forrest County, MS for Amaranth?
Forrest County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Forrest County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Forrest County's temperate climate. Forrest County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 21.
Your Forrest County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Forrest County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.