Are you growing amaranth in Illinois, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?
Harvesting amaranth is not as easy as it seems.
Here’s why:
- Amaranth have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.
So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.
Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest amaranth in Illinois:
- To Learn More About HOW to Grow Amaranth, Check Out This GUIDE!
When Do I Harvest Amaranth in Illinois?
As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your amaranth: the physical features of the amaranth & weather (time).
Harvest Amaranth if They Look Like This!!!
The physical features of amaranth are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.
In general, you should harvest amaranth if they have the following physical features:
- The entire amaranth is a solid red color. If the amaranth is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
- The amaranth is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
- Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.
Harvest Your Amaranth During THIS Time of Year!!!
In general, you should harvest amaranth:
- 65 to 85 days after starting amaranth from seed
- 40 to 50 days after planting amaranth in your garden
- 20 to 30 days after amaranth first appear
And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your amaranth before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your amaranth plant and make your amaranth inedible.
For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Illinois. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.
Illinois Last & First Frost Dates
It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.
Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.
When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.
- If amaranth are in pots, bring them inside
- If amaranth are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
- Pick all amaranth. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.
If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Illinois, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.
