Quick planting window
| Start indoors | Not recommended; sow seeds directly instead |
|---|---|
| Transplant | Not recommended; sow seeds directly to avoid root disturbance |
| Sow seeds | March to April |
| Estimated harvest | June to July |
| Risk | Medium risk |
Month calendar
Scan the year by month to see seed starting, sowing, transplanting, and harvest timing.
Corn is frost sensitive. Wait until the conservative transplant or sowing window for California.
Next: ZIP code personalization
This is a state-level planning window based on typical frost timing and crop rules. Use local Extension guidance or a ZIP code frost-date tool before planting.
Planning notes
Days to maturity
80
Covered states
20
Maturity range
28-240 days
Crop overview pages compare state windows; open a specific state page to see that state's frost dates, heat risk, and Extension source.
Corn growing notes
The calendar window is only the first step. These growing details affect survival, plant vigor, and harvest quality.
Sun
Full sun.
Soil
Fertile soil with steady nitrogen and moisture.
Spacing
8-12 inches in short blocks, not one long row.
Container
Not ideal for small containers.
Watering
Needs consistent water during tasseling and ear fill.
Common mistake
Planting too few plants for good pollination.
Beginner tip
Plant in blocks of several short rows.
Month window table
| State | Spring transplant / sow | Spring harvest | Fall transplant / sow | Fall harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | March to April | June to July | August to September | November to December |
| New York | May to June | August to September | July to August | September to October |
| Texas | March to April | June to July | August to September | October to November |
| Washington | May to June | August to September | July to August | October to November |
| New Jersey | May to June | August to September | July to August | October to November |
| Florida | February to March | May to June | September to October | December to January |
| North Carolina | April to May | July to August | August to September | October to November |
| Georgia | April to May | June to July | August to September | October to November |
| Illinois | May to June | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Ohio | May to June | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Pennsylvania | May to June | August to September | July to August | October to November |
| Michigan | May to June | August to September | July to August | September to October |
| Arizona | March to April | June to July | August to September | November to December |
| Oregon | May to June | July to August | July to August | October to November |
| Massachusetts | May to June | August to September | July to August | October |
| Minnesota | May to June | August to September | July to August | September to October |
| Virginia | April to May | July to August | August to September | October to November |
| Colorado | June to July | August to September | July to August | September to October |
| Tennessee | April to May | July to August | August to September | October to November |
| Missouri | April to May | July to August | July to August | October to November |
Sources and limits
This crop overview summarizes typical frost windows and crop rules across 20 states. Because it is not tied to one state, the links below point to representative state Extension sources; state and crop-state pages show the matching state source.
Note: this overview shows a sample of sources; each state page exposes its own Extension reference.
FAQ
When should I start corn indoors?
Corn is usually not worth starting indoors; outdoor sowing is more practical.
Can I sow corn outdoors?
Corn can be sown outdoors when soil and nights are suitable. In California, the spring estimate is about March to April.
When should I transplant corn?
Corn is not usually transplanted because root disturbance can hurt establishment.
How long does corn take to harvest?
Corn is listed at about 80 days to maturity. Cool weather, weak light, or stress can extend that timeline.
Is corn container friendly?
It is better suited to beds or larger garden spaces. Not ideal for small containers.
What is the most common corn mistake?
Planting too few plants for good pollination.
Is corn better in spring or fall?
Spring is usually safer; fall planting needs enough warm days before first frost.
Is this ZIP-code accurate?
No. V1 uses conservative state-level windows and reserves ZIP-code frost dates, USDA zone matching, and reminders for the next phase.