When to plant Amaranth in McCone County, MT
In McCone County, Amaranth is a spring-only crop. Plant May 28–June 18 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Amaranth in McCone County, MT
Your June gardening checklist
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in McCone County, Montana.
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Transplant amaranth outside
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
McCone County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 5,568 feet, McCone County receives approximately 22 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.
McCone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.2
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 McCone County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.2) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McCone County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in McCone 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 — McCone County, MT
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | September 3 | Sep 3 – Oct 22 |
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 | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
131 days in McCone County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in McCone County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after May 14 in McCone County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 131.0-day growing season in McCone County is tight for Amaranth (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
McCone County receives only 22" of rain annually. Amaranth needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 McCone County, MT?
McCone County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCone County, MT?
McCone County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 22.
When should I plant Amaranth in McCone County, MT?
In McCone County, MT, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McCone County, MT for Amaranth?
McCone 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 McCone County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in McCone County's temperate climate. McCone County averages a 131-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 22.
Your McCone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McCone 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.