Corn illustration 🌽

Corn Growing Guide

Poaceae family

Days to Harvest85 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing4/sqft (6" apart)
Germination5-12 days
HardinessTender
Germ. Temp80°F

Companion Planting

Avoid Planting Near

Tomatoes

Growth Stages

  1. Seedling
  2. Vegetative Growth
  3. Flowering
  4. Fruiting / Harvest Ready

Planting Dates by Zone

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplantDirect SowHarvest
Zone 1a——Jun 1Aug 25
Zone 1b——Jun 1Aug 25
Zone 2a——May 22Aug 15
Zone 2b——Jun 1Aug 25
Zone 3a——May 29Aug 22
Zone 3b——May 22Aug 15
Zone 4a——May 12Aug 5
Zone 4b——May 8Aug 1
Zone 5a——May 5Jul 29
Zone 5b——May 5Jul 29
Zone 6a——May 5Jul 29
Zone 6b——Apr 22Jul 16
Zone 7a——Apr 22Jul 16
Zone 7b——Apr 17Jul 11
Zone 8a——Apr 12Jul 6
Zone 8b——Mar 29Jun 22
Zone 9a——Mar 27Jun 20
Zone 9b——Mar 17Jun 10
Zone 10a——Feb 27May 23
Zone 10b——Feb 4Apr 30
Zone 11a——Feb 4Apr 30
Zone 11b——Jan 22Apr 17
Zone 12a——Jan 8Apr 3
Zone 12b——Jan 8Apr 3
Zone 13a——Jan 8Apr 3
Zone 13b——Jan 8Apr 3

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Corn?

Corn takes approximately 85 days from planting to harvest.

How much sun does Corn need?

Corn requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).

How far apart should I plant Corn?

Plant Corn at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.

Can Corn survive frost?

Corn is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.

What are good companion plants for Corn?

Good companion plants for Corn include Beans, Squash, Cucumbers, Peas, Pumpkins. Avoid planting near Tomatoes.

How long does Corn take to germinate?

Corn seeds germinate in 5-12 days at an optimal temperature of 80°F.

Growing Tips

Common Pests & Diseases

Harvest Notes

Harvest when silks are brown and dry and kernels release milky juice when punctured. Sugar converts to starch quickly after picking.

Plan Your Corn Garden

Track Corn from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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