When to Plant Amaranth in Macon County, NC
May in the garden — Macon County, North Carolina
Each item below is timed to Macon County, North Carolina's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Sow amaranth in trays indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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.
Macon County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 2,597 feet, Macon County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Macon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Macon County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.3) is more acidic than Amaranth prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Macon County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant 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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Macon 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 — Macon County, NC
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 12 |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Macon County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Macon County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after April 11 in Macon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Macon County's clay soil (30% 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 Macon County, NC?
Macon County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macon County, NC?
Macon County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Macon County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.