When to Plant Amaranth in Grant County, ND
This month in Grant County, North Dakota
A quick May briefing for Grant County, North Dakota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Scatter amaranth into prepared beds
Your soil is 54°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Grant County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 757 feet, Grant County receives approximately 20.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Amaranth to ensure they mature before fall.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.4
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 Grant County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.4) is within Amaranth's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Grant County is excellent for Amaranth — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Amaranth.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Amaranth.
How to Plant Amaranth
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 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" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Grant 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 — Grant County, ND
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 · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Grant County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after May 14 in Grant County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Grant County receives only 21" 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 Grant County, ND?
Grant 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 Grant County, ND?
Grant County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grant 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.