Knowing the best time to plant corn in Texas is the first step to a successful harvest. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting season guide for your specific region.
Corn is a warm-season crop that thrives on heat and sunshine, but Texas’s vast size means planting dates can vary by months. Getting your timing right is crucial for strong germination, healthy stalks, and full ears. Planting too early risks cold soil stunting your seeds, while planting too late exposes plants to extreme summer heat during pollination.
When to Plant Corn in Texas – Optimal Planting Season Guide
The simple answer is spring, but “spring” means different things from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley. Your schedule is primarily dictated by your USDA Hardiness Zone and, more importantly, soil temperature.
Corn seeds require a consistent soil temperature of at least 50°F to germinate, but they will do much better at 60°F or warmer. A good rule is to plant when the soil is reliably above 60°F and all danger of a hard freeze has passed.
Here’s a general regional breakdown for planting sweet corn or field corn:
* East Texas (Tyler, Longview, Beaumont): Mid-February to late March. The warmer, humid climate allows for an early start.
* Central Texas & Hill Country (Austin, San Antonio, Waco): Early March to early April. Watch for late frosts in higher elevations.
* South Texas & Coastal Plains (Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley): January to late February. This region has the longest growing season and can often support a fall planting as well.
* North Texas & Panhandle (Dallas-Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo): Late March to late April. Frost risk persists longest here, so patience is key.
* West Texas (El Paso, Midland): Mid-March to early April. Aridity is a bigger challenge than cold here.
Always use local frost dates and a soil thermometer for the best results. Your county’s AgriLife Extension office is a fantastic resource for hyper-local advice.
Why Planting Timing is So Critical
Planting at the optimal time does more than just get seeds to sprout. It aligns your corn’s growth stages with the best possible weather conditions.
Corn pollinates when the tassels at the top shed pollen onto the silks below. This process is highly sensitive to stress. If your corn is trying to pollinate during the peak of Texas’s blistering summer heat and drought, pollination can fail. This leads to ears with missing kernels.
By planting so that pollination occurs before the worst summer heat hits, you ensure better kernel set. Proper timing also helps avoid peak pest pressures and allows the plant to establish a strong root system before needing to support heavy ears.
Preparing Your Soil for Corn
Corn is a heavy feeder. It demands rich, well-drained soil to produce well. Preparing your bed a few weeks before planting gives you a head start.
First, test your soil pH. Corn prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. You can get a test kit from a garden center or through your local extension service. Amend your soil based on the results.
Incorporate plenty of organic matter. Well-rotted compost or aged manure worked into the top 8-12 inches of soil improves drainage in clay soils and water retention in sandy soils. It also provides slow-release nutrients.
Add a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting time. Look for a 10-10-10 or similar formula, following package instructions. Corn will need additional nitrogen later, but this gives seedlings a strong start.
Step-by-Step Planting Process
Once your soil is warm and prepared, follow these steps:
1. Choose Your Variety: Select corn suited for Texas heat. Popular choices include ‘Golden Bantam’, ‘Silver Queen’, or drought-tolerant varieties like ‘Hopi Blue’.
2. Plant in Blocks: Corn is wind-pollinated. Instead of long single rows, plant in blocks of at least four rows side-by-side. This ensures the pollen can easily reach the silks.
3. 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.
4. Space Correctly: Place seeds about 9-12 inches apart within the row, with rows 30-36 inches apart. Crowded plants compete for light and nutrients.
5. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the bed deeply to settle the soil around the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist until you see sprouts.
Caring for Your Corn Through the Season
Consistent care after planting is what turns a good start into a great harvest. Your main tasks will be watering, feeding, and weeding.
Corn needs about 1 inch of water per week. During hot, dry spells or when the stalks begin to tassel, it may need more. Water deeply at the soil level to encourage deep roots. Avoid overhead watering which can wash away pollen.
Side-dress with a high-nitrogen fertilizer when plants are about knee-high (12 inches tall). This is a crucial feeding for strong stalk and ear development. Sprinkle fertilizer alongside the rows, water it in well, and be careful not to burn the leaves.
Weeds compete fiercely with corn for water and nutrients. Mulch heavily with straw or grass clippings around the plants once they are a few inches tall. This suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture. Hand-pull any weeds that do appear early.
Common Pests and Problems in Texas
Keep a eye out for these typical issues:
* Corn Earworm: This is the most common pest. The moth lays eggs on silks, and the caterpillar burrows into the ear. Apply a few drops of mineral oil to the silk tip just after silk appears as a deterrent.
* Fall Armyworm: They feed on leaves and can skeletonize plants. Look for egg masses and young larvae; use an appropriate organic pesticide if infestation is severe.
* Birds & Critters: Birds love sprouting seeds, and raccoons love ripe corn. For birds, use a lightweight row cover until plants are established. For raccoons, fencing is often the only reliable solution.
* Rust and Fungal Diseases: Promote good air circulation with proper spacing. Water at the base of plants, not the leaves, to reduce fungal risk. Remove and destroy badly affected plants.
Harvesting Your Texas Corn
Knowing when to harvest is the final reward. For sweet corn, harvest usually comes about 18-24 days after the first silks appear.
The ears are ready when the silks have turned completely brown and dry. Peel back a small part of the husk and press a kernel with your thumbnail. If a milky liquid squirts out, it’s perfect. If the liquid is clear, it’s not ready. If it’s thick or pasty, you’ve waited to long.
For the best flavor, harvest in the early morning and get your corn into the pot or refrigerator as soon as possible. The sugars in corn begin converting to starch the moment its picked.
FAQ: Planting Corn in Texas
Can I plant corn in the fall in Texas?
Yes, in some regions. South Texas and parts of Central Texas can support a fall crop if planted about 10-12 weeks before the first expected fall frost. This allows for a harvest in late autumn.
What is the latest you can plant corn in Texas?
It depends on your first fall frost date. Corn typically needs 60 to 100 frost-free days to mature. Count back from your average first frost date using the “days to maturity” on your seed packet. In Central Texas, a late June planting is often the absolute cutoff for many varieties.
How do I protect young corn from a late frost?
If sprouts are threatened by a light late frost, cover them overnight with a frost cloth, row cover, or even cardboard boxes. Remove the covers in the morning once temperatures rise.
Why did my corn grow tall but produce no ears?
This is often due to poor pollination. Remember to plant in blocks, not single rows. Extreme heat or drought during silking can also cause pollination failure. Ensure adequte watering during this critical stage.
Can I save seeds from my corn for next year?
You can, but be cautious. Corn cross-pollinates easily over long distances. If you save seeds from hybrid varieties, they will not grow true to the parent plant. It’s best to save seeds only from open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, and ensure no other corn is growing within a quarter mile to maintain purity.
With the right timing and care, you can enjoy the incredible taste of homegrown corn right from your Texas garden. Just remember to check your soil temperature, plant in blocks, and provide plenty of water and nutrients.