When to plant sweet corn 🌽
Sweet Corn takes 65–90 days to mature, spaced 12" apart at 1.5" deep. Direct-sow only — does not transplant well.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | June 1 – June 29 | August 3 – August 31 |
| Zone 4 | May 22 – June 19 | July 24 – August 21 |
| Zone 5 | May 8 – June 5 | July 10 – August 7 |
| Zone 6 | April 22 – May 20 | June 24 – July 22 |
| Zone 7 | April 8 – May 6 | June 10 – July 8 |
| Zone 8 | March 22 – April 19 | May 24 – June 21 |
| Zone 9 | February 22 – March 21 | April 25 – May 23 |
| Zone 10 | February 6 – March 5 | April 9 – May 7 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized sweet corn planting dates
Care tips
- Plant in blocks (4+ rows) for pollination.
- Side-dress with nitrogen when knee-high.
- Harvest when silks brown and kernels squirt milky juice.
Good companions
Beans, Squash, Cucumber.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant sweet corn outdoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, direct sow sweet corn between May 8 and June 5, relative to the average last spring frost on May 1.
When should I plant sweet corn outdoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, direct sow sweet corn between April 22 and May 20, relative to the average last spring frost on April 15.
When should I plant sweet corn outdoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, direct sow sweet corn between April 8 and May 6, relative to the average last spring frost on April 1.
When should I plant sweet corn outdoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, direct sow sweet corn between March 22 and April 19, relative to the average last spring frost on March 15.
How long does sweet corn take to grow?▾
Sweet Corn typically takes 65–90 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 10–14 weeks after the last spring frost.