When Should I Plant Corn

Corn is a tender, warm-season annual that is best planted after the soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C), usually 2 or 3 weeks after the last frost in spring. Corn requires 60 to 100 frost-free days to reach harvest depending upon variety and the amount of heat during the growing season.

How early can you plant corn?

Generally, growers maximize corn yield if they plant in late April or early May (Table 1). When spring arrives early, a mid-April planting date produces similar yield if young plants are not damaged by a freeze in May.

Can I plant corn right now?

Planting must occur after the last frost of the spring season for your corn to have a chance at growing strong. If it is well past the point of frost in your area, there may still be time to plant. … Mature plants are more resistant to fall frosts, but they are not immune to damage from the cold.