Sweet Corn Planting Guide
Classic summer crop with sweet, juicy kernels; best eaten fresh from the garden
Best Time and Place to Plant Corn
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Sweet Corn in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | Varies |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | Varies |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | Varies |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 30 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 95F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; critical during tasseling and ear fill
- Days to harvest: 80
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress when plants are knee-high
- Blood Meal organic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost organic: 3-4 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Beans
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Cucumber
Avoid Planting Near
- Tomatoes
Harvest Signs
- Silks have turned dark brown and dried
- Kernels are plump and release milky juice when punctured
- Ear feels full when squeezed through husk
- Harvest 3 weeks after silks appear
FAQs
When should I plant Corn?
Corn planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Corn?
The best time of year to plant Corn is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Corn?
Plant Sweet Corn in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Corn?
Plant Corn about 12 inches apart, with rows around 30 inches apart.
What grows well with Corn?
Corn is commonly paired with Beans, Squash, Pumpkin, Cucumber.