When to Plant Amaranth in Craig County, VA
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.
Craig County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 460 feet, Craig County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Amaranth during the growing season.
Craig County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Amaranth Planting Timeline — Craig County, VA
Amaranth Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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
176 days in Craig County
Growing Tips for Craig County
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
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Amaranth in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Amaranth in Craig County, VA?
Craig County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Amaranth planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Craig County, VA?
Craig County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Craig County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Craig 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.