Planting Date · Corn
Corn Planting Date Calculator
Calculate the optimal planting dates for corn based on your USDA zone, last frost date, and preferred start method.
Optimal Soil Temp
60°F
Days to Maturity
80 days
Frost Tolerance
tender
Planting Depth
1–2 inches
Input
Fill in the fields below, then click Calculate.
Select your USDA plant hardiness zone (3–10).
Approximate month of your last spring frost.
How you plan to start the crop.
No results yet
Fill in the fields and click Calculate to see results.
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What to Calculate Next
How to Use This Calculator
Select your USDA hardiness zone and the month of your last expected spring frost. Choose whether you plan to direct sow or start corn transplants indoors. The calculator uses frost tolerance data and days to maturity to recommend optimal planting windows.
Why This Matters
Planting corn at the right time is critical for success. Planting too early exposes frost-sensitive plants to cold damage, while planting too late shortens the growing season and reduces yield. Timing varies significantly by USDA zone.
Methodology
This calculator uses USDA hardiness zone frost date tables and crop-specific data: Corn requires 80 days to maturity, has tender frost tolerance, and needs soil temperatures of at least 60°F. Indoor start dates are calculated by subtracting transplant lead time from the last frost date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting based on calendar date rather than soil temperature and frost risk.
- Not hardening off corn transplants before moving them outdoors.
- Ignoring microclimates — low-lying areas frost later in spring and earlier in fall.
- Forgetting that corn needs 80 days to reach maturity when planning fall plantings.
Tips & Best Practices
- Direct sow corn after the last frost when soil reaches 60°F.
- Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for good wind pollination.
- Successive plantings every 2 weeks extend the harvest window.
- Corn is a heavy feeder — amend soil with compost or balanced fertilizer.