When to Plant Amaranth in Bowman County, ND
Your May planting checklist for Bowman County, North Dakota
Each item below is timed to Bowman County, North Dakota's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Direct-sow amaranth
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Transplants going out: 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.
Bowman County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 753 feet, Bowman County receives approximately 25.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.
Bowman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Bowman County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bowman County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Amaranth will thrive.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Bowman 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 — Bowman County, ND
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | September 4 | Sep 4 – Oct 23 |
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 4b
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Bowman County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Bowman County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after May 15 in Bowman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 132.0-day growing season in Bowman County is tight for Amaranth (90.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Bowman County, ND?
Bowman County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bowman County, ND?
Bowman County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your Bowman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bowman County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.