When to Plant Amaranth in Karnes County, TX
Karnes County, Texas gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Karnes County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: 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.
Karnes County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 4,532 feet, Karnes County receives approximately 67.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Amaranth may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Amaranth root diseases.
Karnes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 Karnes County
How your county's soil matches Amaranth's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) overlaps with Amaranth's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Karnes 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 (2.2%). 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Karnes 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 — Karnes County, TX
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Karnes County
Growing Tips for Amaranth in Karnes County
Direct sow Amaranth outdoors after February 26 in Karnes County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Karnes County, TX?
Karnes County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Karnes County, TX?
Karnes County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 30.
Your Karnes County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Karnes County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.