When To Plant Corn In Georgia

Knowing when to plant corn in Georgia is the single most important factor for a successful harvest. Getting the timing right means your corn will grow strong and produce those sweet, full ears we all love.

Plant too early, and a late frost can wipe out your seedlings. Plant too late, and the summer heat can interfere with pollination. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for different regions of the state and the simple signs to watch for in your own garden.

Georgia’s long growing season is a big advantage for corn growers. However, the state’s climate varies significantly from the mountains to the coast. This means there isn’t one single perfect date. Instead, we use soil temperature and frost dates as our guide.

The general rule for most of Georgia is to plant between late February and mid-April. Let’s break that down further.

South Georgia: Planting can often begin in late February or early March. The soil warms up quicker here.
Central Georgia (Piedmont): Aim for mid-March through early April. This is the most common planting window.
North Georgia (Mountains): Wait until early to mid-April to avoid the last frosts. The cooler soil takes longer to warm.

The Golden Rule: Soil Temperature is Key

Forget the calendar date for a moment. The most reliable signal is your garden’s soil temperature. Corn seeds need warm soil to germinate properly and avoid rotting.

You should plant your corn seeds when the soil temperature at a 2-inch depth consistently reaches 50°F (10°C). For ideal and rapid germination, wait until it’s a steady 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C).

How do you check? Use a simple soil thermometer, available at any garden center. Take the reading in the morning for the most accurate result.

Understanding Your Last Frost Date

While corn can handle a light chill, a hard frost will kill young seedlings. Knowing your area’s average last spring frost date provides a safety net.

You can find this information from your local University of Georgia extension office. As a general guide:

South GA: Last frost around mid-March.
Central GA: Last frost around late March to early April.
North GA: Last frost from mid to late April.

A good strategy is to plant your first batch of seeds 1 to 2 weeks after your area’s average last frost date. This greatly reduces the risk of losing plants.

Preparing Your Garden for Corn

Corn is a heavy feeder. It needs lots of nutrients and sunlight to thrive. Proper preparation makes all the difference.

Choose a Sunny Spot: Corn requires full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Test Your Soil: A soil test from UGA Extension is the best investment you can make. It tells you exactly what your soil needs.
Amend the Soil: Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Corn prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Fertilize at Planting: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at planting time, following package directions. Side-dress with more nitrogen when plants are about knee-high.

Planting in Blocks, Not Rows

Corn is pollinated by wind, not insects. The pollen falls from the tassels at the top onto the silks below. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of at least 4 rows side-by-side, rather than in one or two long rows.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Create Rows: Space rows about 30 to 36 inches apart.
Plant Seeds: Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Place them 8 to 12 inches apart within the row.
Water Gently: Water the planted area thoroughly but gently to settle the soil around the seeds.
Consider Succession Planting: To extend your harvest, plant a new block every 2 weeks for about a month. This way, you won’t have all your corn ready at once.

Choosing the Right Corn Variety for Georgia

Selecting a variety suited to the heat and humidity of a Georgia summer is crucial. Look for varieties with good disease resistance.

Sweet Corn Favorites: ‘Silver Queen’ (white), ‘Peaches and Cream’ (bicolor), and ‘Bodacious’ (yellow) are all excellent, reliable choices.
Days to Maturity: This number on the seed packet is key. Early varieties (~70 days) are good for succession planting. Main season varieties (~80-90 days) produce the classic, full-sized ears.

Caring for Your Growing Corn

Once your corn is up and growing, a few simple care tips will ensure a bumper crop.

Watering Wisely

Corn needs about 1 inch of water per week. The most critical time for watering is during tasseling, silking, and ear development. Use soaker hoses or water at the soil level to avoid washing pollen off the plants.

Weeding and Mulching

Keep the area around your corn free of weeds, which compete for water and nutrients. After the plants are a few inches tall, apply a layer of mulch (straw or shredded leaves) to supress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Watching for Pests

Common Georgia corn pests include corn earworms, armyworms, and raccoons. For earworms, a few drops of mineral oil on the silk tip can help. For raccoons, a sturdy fence is often the only sure defense.

Signs Your Corn is Ready to Harvest

Harvest usually comes about 18-24 days after the silks first appear. Here’s how to know it’s time:

The silks have turned brown and dry.
The ear feels firm and full.
Pierce a kernel with your thumbnail – a milky, white liquid should squirt out. If it’s clear, it’s not ready. If it’s doughy, you’ve waited to long.

For the best flavor, harvest in the morning and get the ears into cool water or the refrigerator quickly. The sugars in corn start converting to starch as soon as its picked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting in Cold, Wet Soil: This is the top cause of seed rot and failure. Wait for that 55°F soil temp.
Skimping on Fertilizer: Corn is hungry. Poorly fertilized plants will produce small, poorly filled ears.
Planting in a Single Row: This leads to poor pollination and ears with lots of missing kernels.
Ignoring Water Needs During Silking: Drought stress at this stage ruins your yeild.

FAQ: Planting Corn in Georgia

Can I plant corn in late summer for a fall harvest?

Yes! In central and south Georgia, you can plant a second crop in late July or early August. Ensure it has enough time to mature before the first fall frost, which is often in late October or November.

How early is too early to plant corn?

If the soil is below 50°F, it’s to early. The seeds will likely sit there and rot instead of sprouting. Patience pays off.

My corn came up but looks yellow. What’s wrong?

Yellowing corn is often a sign of nitrogen deficiency. This is common in Georgia’s sandy soils. Side-dress the plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer immediately.

What about planting corn from transplants?

Corn does not transplant well due to its sensitive root system. It is always best to sow seeds directly into your garden bed where they will grow.

Is there a best time of day to plant corn seeds?

Planting in the late afternoon allows the seeds to settle in overnight without immediate harsh sun. But the most important factor is soil condition, not time of day.

By following these guidelines and paying close attention to your local conditions, you’ll master the art of timing your corn planting. A successful harvest of sweet, homegrown corn is one of the great joys of gardening in Georgia. Just remember the fundamentals: warm soil, plenty of food and water, and planting in blocks for good pollination. With a little planning, you’ll be enjoying your own fresh corn in no time.