When to plant Amaranth in Old Appleton,
In Old Appleton, plant Amaranth in spring between April 17 and May 8, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Old Appleton's last frost averages April 10, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 120 days before the first frost on October 21.
When to Plant Amaranth in Old Appleton, MO
What to do in June
June is a pivotal month for Old Appleton, MO gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Old Appleton, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Cape Girardeau County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.
Old Appleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Old Appleton
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Amaranth prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cape Girardeau County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cape Girardeau 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 — Old Appleton, MO
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Cape Girardeau County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Old Appleton
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 10 in Cape Girardeau 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
When should I plant Amaranth in Old Appleton, ?
In Old Appleton, , plant Amaranth after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Old Appleton, for Amaranth?
Old Appleton sits in USDA Zone 7a. Amaranth grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Amaranth grow in Old Appleton's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Old Appleton's temperate climate. Old Appleton averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.
Your Cape Girardeau County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cape Girardeau County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.