🌽When to Plant Corn (2026)
Sow directly in warm soil. Plant in blocks for good pollination.
- Type: Warm-season
- Method: Direct sow
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Companions: beans, squash, cucumber
Is Corn right for your USDA zone?
Corn is a warm-season crop that needs frost-free weather and warm soil to thrive. Gardeners in zones 5b through 10b have the longest corn season. In cooler zones (3a-5a), choose fast-maturing varieties (70 days or less) and start seeds indoors to extend your window. In hot zones (9a-10b), corn may struggle in peak summer — consider planting in February-March for a spring crop before the heat.
Corn needs about 80 days from sowing to harvest, so any zone with at least 94frost-free days can grow it successfully. Check your zone's specific dates in the table below.
How to grow corn
Corn grows best when direct-sown right where it will mature, because it dislikes having its roots disturbed. Give each plant 12 inches of room in full sun, and keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate and plants establish.
Expect roughly 80 days to your first harvest. Watch for corn earworm, armyworm, the most common pests of corn, and scout plants weekly so you can act early. Plant in blocks of at least 4 short rows, not one long single row. Corn is wind-pollinated—each silk must receive pollen from a neighboring tassel. Poorly pollinated ears have missing kernels.
Troubleshooting corn
Corn earworms enter through the silk tips and feed on developing kernels. Apply a few drops of mineral oil or Bt mixed with oil to the silk tips 5-7 days after silks first appear.
Growing corn in containers
Possible in large containers (20+ gallons) with at least 9-12 stalks planted closely for wind pollination. Choose shorter varieties like 'Trinity' or 'On Deck' bred for containers. Expect 1-2 ears per stalk.
Corn planting dates by zone (2026)
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | May 29 | Aug 17 |
| Zone 3b | — | May 29 | Aug 17 |
| Zone 4a | — | May 24 | Aug 12 |
| Zone 4b | — | May 19 | Aug 7 |
| Zone 5a | — | May 14 | Aug 2 |
| Zone 5b | — | May 9 | Jul 28 |
| Zone 6a | — | May 4 | Jul 23 |
| Zone 6b | — | Apr 29 | Jul 18 |
| Zone 7a | — | Apr 24 | Jul 13 |
| Zone 7b | — | Apr 19 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 8a | — | Apr 8 | Jun 27 |
| Zone 8b | — | Mar 29 | Jun 17 |
| Zone 9a | — | Mar 11 | May 30 |
| Zone 9b | — | Feb 24 | May 15 |
| Zone 10a | — | Feb 14 | May 5 |
| Zone 10b | — | Jan 29 | Apr 19 |
Corn planting FAQ
When is the best time to plant corn?
Corn is a warm-season crop. Plant it only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Find the exact date for your USDA zone in the table below.
How long does corn take to grow?
Corn takes about 80 days from sowing to first harvest. It is best direct-sown rather than transplanted.
How far apart should I space corn?
Space corn about 12 inches apart in full sun. Proper spacing gives roots room to spread and improves airflow, which reduces disease.
What is the best growing tip for corn?
Plant in blocks of at least 4 short rows, not one long single row. Corn is wind-pollinated—each silk must receive pollen from a neighboring tassel. Poorly pollinated ears have missing kernels.
What are common problems with corn?
Corn earworms enter through the silk tips and feed on developing kernels. Apply a few drops of mineral oil or Bt mixed with oil to the silk tips 5-7 days after silks first appear.
Can I grow corn in a container?
Possible in large containers (20+ gallons) with at least 9-12 stalks planted closely for wind pollination. Choose shorter varieties like 'Trinity' or 'On Deck' bred for containers. Expect 1-2 ears per stalk.
Can I plant corn for a second harvest?
Yes in zones 6+—sow a second block 3 weeks after the first for staggered harvest. In zones 7+, you can fit three successions. Choose varieties with different maturity dates for a longer harvest window.
What grows well with corn?
Good companion plants for corn are beans, squash, cucumber. Companion planting can deter pests and make better use of garden space. Rotate where you plant corn each year to keep soil healthy.