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When to Plant Amaranth in Aneth, UT

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.

Aneth, Utah is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 5,225 feet, San Juan County receives approximately 13.7 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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Amaranth successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Aneth, UT (Zone 7a) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Aneth Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in San Juan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Amaranth Planting Timeline — Aneth, UT

Amaranth Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest August 15 Aug 15 – Oct 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

162 days in San Juan County

Growing Tips for Aneth

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 San Juan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for San Juan County (Zone 7a). 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 San Juan County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.