When to plant Amaranth in Phillips County, MT
Phillips County's short 126-day growing season means one Amaranth planting between June 1 and June 22. No fall crop in Zone 3b.
When to Plant Amaranth in Phillips County, MT
What to do in July
Your Phillips County, Montana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Get amaranth seeds going inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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.
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 Phillips County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Phillips 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Phillips 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 — Phillips County, MT
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | September 7 | Sep 7 – Oct 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Phillips County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after May 18 in Phillips County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 126.0-day growing season in Phillips County is tight for Amaranth (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Phillips County receives only 19" 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 Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Amaranth in Phillips County, MT?
In Phillips County, MT, plant Amaranth after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, MT for Amaranth?
Phillips 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 Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Amaranth grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 21.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips 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.