How Early Can I Plant Corn?

Time Frame

• Corn is a warm-season garden vegetable, though hybrids have been made to withstand cool-season growing conditions. Planting is suggested for when soil temperatures reach a minimum of 55 F, though early planting can take place just before or on the day of the final killing frost in your area. However, waiting two weeks after the last killing frost ensures more successful corn production.

Considerations

• If earlier planting is required, farmers may use soil-warming products to keep the ground at the desired temperatures for seed germination; a minimum of 50 degrees for corn. Examples of soil-warming products include cold frames, mulch and plastic sheeting.

Warning

• Corn cannot tolerate excessively wet soils, so planting time should be delayed when soil is muddy or pooled with water. If the ground is wet when the suggested planting time arrives in your area, wait until the soil feels moist, like a wrung-out sponge.