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When to Plant Amaranth in Bunkerville, NV

Clark County, Nevada Zone 9b June

This month in Clark County, Nevada

June is a pivotal month for Clark County, Nevada gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost February 28
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 79°F
Watering Critical
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.5 hrs
  1. Pick amaranth

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

July prep starts now
  • First harvests: amaranth

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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.

Bunkerville, Nevada is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.

At an elevation of 2,811 feet, Clark County receives approximately 9.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 111°F, so Amaranth may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Amaranth will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Bunkerville, NV (Zone 9b) Long season
268 days
Last Spring Frost February 28
268 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Bunkerville Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Amaranth Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 31 Transplant: Feb 18 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Jul 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Aug 30

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 Bunkerville

How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (7.3–8.4) is more alkaline than Amaranth prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Clark County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Amaranth will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Amaranth.

How to Plant Amaranth

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Amaranth Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.2″/week
You supply
1.4″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 3,318 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Clark 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 needs ~3,491 GDD — county provides 8,944 GDD Excellent fit

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Bunkerville, NV

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 21
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Jul 25

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 2-3 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

268 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Amaranth in Bunkerville

Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after February 28 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Clark County dries quickly — mulch Amaranth with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 111°F in Clark County, provide afternoon shade for Amaranth and water deeply in the morning.

Clark County receives only 9" 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌱

Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clark County, NV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.