When to plant amaranth in Illinois
Illinois spans USDA zones 5a–7a, so the right time to plant amaranth shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 11 in Granite City to May 8 in McHenry — below are local dates for 226 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 6a | April 10 | November 5 | April 17 – May 1 |
| Aurora | 5b | April 19 | October 23 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Naperville | 5b | April 28 | October 16 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Joliet | 5b | April 19 | October 25 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Rockford | 5b | April 24 | October 17 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Elgin | 5b | April 26 | October 18 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Springfield | 6a | April 15 | October 22 | April 22 – May 6 |
| Peoria | 6a | April 16 | October 23 | April 23 – May 7 |
Amaranth in Illinois: FAQ
When can I plant amaranth in Illinois?
Across Illinois, the time to direct-sow amaranth spans roughly April 11 in Granite City to May 8 in McHenry, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the amaranth planting date vary across Illinois?
Yes. Illinois publishes 226 cities with their own frost dates, so the right amaranth planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does amaranth take to grow in Illinois?
Amaranth takes about 50–60 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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