When Do You Plant Corn In Georgia

If you’re planning your garden in the Peach State, knowing when do you plant corn in georgia is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial for sweet, full ears.

Georgia’s long growing season is a big advantage. But corn is sensitive to frost and heat. Planting at the optimal moment gives your crop the best start.

The short answer is that corn planting time in Georgia spans from late winter in the south to late spring in the north. Soil temperature is a more reliable guide than the calendar.

You should plant your corn seeds when the soil at planting depth consistently reaches 55°F. A simple soil thermometer is a great investment. For most areas, here’s the general timeline:

South Georgia (Zones 8b-9a): Earliest planting can begin in late February to mid-March.
Middle Georgia (Zones 8a-8b): Aim for mid-March through early April.
North Georgia (Zones 7a-7b): The window runs from early April to early May.

Waiting for warm soil prevents seeds from rotting. It also ensures fast germination. Corn planted in cold, wet soil often struggles.

Why Timing Matters So Much

Corn is a warm-season crop. It thrives in heat but needs a long, uninterrupted growing period. Planting too early or too late causes problems.

Early planting risks a late spring frost, which can kill young seedlings. Late planting exposes the pollination phase to Georgia’s intense summer heat. High heat during tasseling can reduce kernel set dramatically.

Succession planting is a smart strategy. Instead of planting all your seeds at once, sow a new block every 7-10 days for about a month. This staggers your harvest and provides a safety net against weather issues.

Preparing Your Garden for Corn

Corn is a heavy feeder. It needs rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. Start preparing your bed a few weeks before your target planting date.

Choose a Sunny Site: Corn requires full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Test and Amend Soil: A soil test is the best way to know what your garden needs. Corn prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Fertilize at Planting: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at planting time. Apply it in a band alongside the seed row, not directly on the seeds, to prevent burning.

Selecting the Right Corn Variety

Choosing a variety suited for Georgia’s climate is key. Look for types with good heat tolerance and disease resistance. Common choices include:

Sweet Corn Varieties: ‘Silver Queen’ (white), ‘Peaches and Cream’ (bicolor), and ‘Bodacious’ (yellow) are reliable performers. Supersweet (sh2) types are incredibly sweet but need isolation from other corn.
Field Corn & Heirlooms: ‘Hickory King’ is a great heirloom for grits or meal. ‘Bloody Butcher’ offers striking red kernels.
Days to Maturity: Always check the seed packet. Shorter-season varieties (70-80 days) are safer for North Georgia, while longer-season ones (80-95 days) do well in the south.

The Step-by-Step Planting Process

Once your soil is warm and prepared, you’re ready to plant. Follow these steps for the best results.

Plant in Blocks: Corn is wind-pollinated. Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows side-by-side, rather than one long row. This ensures good pollen transfer between stalks.
Sow Seeds Deep Enough: Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep. In sandy soil, you can plant up to 2 inches deep to reach moisture.
Space Correctly: Space seeds about 9-12 inches apart within the row. Space your rows 30-36 inches apart. This gives plants room to grow and allows for air circulation.
Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the bed gently but deeply to settle the soil around the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

Caring for Your Growing Corn

Consistent care after planting leads to healthy plants and better yields. Your main tasks will be watering, fertilizing, and weeding.

Corn needs about 1 inch of water per week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water at the base, keeping leaves dry to prevent disease. Watering is most critical during tasseling, silking, and ear development.

Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about knee-high (12 inches tall). This gives them a boost for their major growth spurt. A second application when tassels begin to form can be beneficial on poorer soils.

Weed carefully when plants are young. Corn has shallow roots, so avoid deep hoeing. A layer of mulch can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Common Pests and Problems in Georgia

Several pests love Georgia corn. Early detection and management are important.

Corn Earworm: This is the most common pest. The moth lays eggs on silks, and the caterpillar feeds on the tip of the ear. To manage, apply a few drops of vegetable oil mixed with Bt (a natural bacteria) to the silk just after it starts to brown.
Fall Armyworm: These caterpillars can defoliate plants quickly. Bt or spinosad sprays are effective organic controls.
Birds & Critters: Birds may pull up young seedlings. Raccoons and deer love ripe corn. Fencing is often the only sure defense against mammals as harvest approaches.

Harvesting Your Georgia-Grown Corn

Knowing when to harvest is just as important as knowing when to plant. For sweet corn, harvest comes about 18-24 days after the first silks appear.

Signs of ripe sweet corn include brown, dry silks; a firm, filled-out ear; and kernels that exude a milky, not clear, liquid when punctured. For the best flavor, harvest in the early morning and cook or chill immediately, as sugar converts to starch rapidly after picking.

For field corn or popcorn, leave the ears on the stalk until the husks are completely brown and dry. Then harvest and continue drying in a well-ventilated area.

FAQ: Georgia Corn Planting

Can you plant corn in July in Georgia?
It’s generally to late for a main crop, as pollination would occur during the hottest part of summer. However, in far North Georgia, an early July planting of a very short-season variety (under 70 days) might produce a small, late fall harvest if frost holds off.

What is the latest date to plant corn in Georgia?
A good rule is to plant so that the corn will silk before extreme summer heat (over 95°F) sets in. For most areas, planting after mid-June is risky. Always check the “days to maturity” on your seed packet and count backward from your first average fall frost date.

How many times can you plant corn in a year?
In South Georgia, you can often get two successive plantings—one in early spring and another in early summer. In North Georgia, the season is typically only long enough for one successful planting due to the shorter frost-free window.

Does corn need a lot of water?
Yes, corn has high water needs, especially during tasseling and ear development. Inadequate watering during these stages leads to poorly filled ears. Consistent moisture is the secret to plump kernels.

By following these guidelines and paying attention to your local conditions, you can enjoy the unbeatable taste of homegrown corn from your Georgia garden. There’s nothing quite like the flavor of corn harvested just minutes before it hits the pot.