When to Plant and Harvest Corn
Classic summer crop with sweet, juicy kernels; best eaten fresh from the garden
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Summer corn salad. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. The ASPCA Corn Plant entry is a dracaena houseplant, not sweet corn. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
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 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
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
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
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
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
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.
How long does Corn take to grow?
Corn is typically ready to harvest in about 80 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Corn?
Harvest Corn when silks have turned dark brown and dried. Kernels are plump and release milky juice when punctured Ear feels full when squeezed through husk