If you’re planning your garden in Texas, knowing when do you plant corn in Texas is the first step to a successful harvest. The best time for planting depends heavily on your specific location within the state, as Texas spans several distinct climate zones.
Planting at the right moment ensures your corn gets the warm soil it needs to germinate and enough growing days before the intense summer heat or fall frost arrives. Getting this timing wrong can lead to poor pollination, pest problems, and disappointing yields. Let’s break down the schedule so you can plan with confidence.
When Do You Plant Corn In Texas – Best Time For Planting
The general rule for planting corn in Texas is to sow seeds after the last spring frost date, when soil temperatures have consistently reached at least 60°F (65°F is ideal). For most of the state, this creates a primary planting window from late February through mid-April. However, Texas is vast, so we need to look at regional guides.
Texas Corn Planting Calendar by Region
Use this regional guide as your starting point. Always confirm with local soil temperature readings.
- East Texas & Gulf Coast: The warmer, humid climate here allows for the earliest planting. Aim for late February to late March. Some gardeners even succes with a second, smaller planting in early August for a fall harvest.
- Central Texas (including the Blackland Prairies): Target early March to early April. Watch for those late frosts that can sometimes surprise you in early March.
- North Texas & Panhandle: Winters are colder here, so you must wait longer. The safe window is typically from early April to early May. Rely on soil thermometers, not just the calendar.
- West Texas & Trans-Pecos: The arid climate has a later spring but a long growing season. Plant from mid-March through April. Irrigation will be essential for your corn’s success in this region.
- South Texas: This region has the longest growing season. You can often plant as early as mid-February and continue through March. A fall planting in July is also a viable option here.
Why Soil Temperature Matters More Than the Date
Calender dates are a guide, but soil temperature is your best friend. Corn seeds planted in cold, damp soil will likely rot or germinate very poorly. You need a reliable soil thermometer.
Check the temperature at a 2-inch depth in the morning for several consecutive days. When it holds steady at 60°F or above, it’s time to plant. Waiting for 65°F will give you faster, more uniform germination. This simple step prevents a lot of headaches and wasted seed.
Preparing Your Garden for Corn
Corn is a heavy feeder and needs plenty of resources. Proper preparation sets the stage.
- Choose a Sunny Site: Corn requires full sun—at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Amend the Soil: Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Corn prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
- Fertilize at Planting: Use a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for vegetables at planting time, following package directions. Side-dressing with nitrogen when plants are about knee-high is crucial.
Planting Corn Seeds Correctly
How you plant is just as important as when. Follow these steps:
- Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep.
- Space seeds about 8 to 12 inches apart within a row.
- Space rows 30 to 36 inches apart. This gives plants room to grow and allows for good air circulation.
- Water the seeds in thoroughly after planting.
Corn is wind-pollinated, so always plant in blocks of at least four rows rather than one or two long single rows. This block formation ensures the pollen from the tassels can effectively reach the silks on neighboring plants.
Choosing the Right Corn Variety for Texas
Selecting a variety suited to your Texas summer is key. Look for varieties with good heat tolerance and disease resistance. Consider these types:
- Sweet Corn: Popular choices include ‘Silver Queen’ (white), ‘Kandy Korn’ (yellow), and ‘Peaches and Cream’ (bi-color). Many newer hybrids have improved sweetness and holding ability.
- Drought-Tolerant Varieties: For areas with water restrictions or West Texas, seek out varieties known for better drought tolerance.
- Days to Maturity: Pay attention to the “days to maturity” on the seed packet. In North Texas, you might need a shorter-season variety (70-80 days) compared to South Texas where longer-season (90+ days) varieties can thrive.
Caring for Your Corn Through the Season
Consistent care after planting leads to full, healthy ears.
- Watering: Corn needs about 1 inch of water per week. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent light sprinklings. This encourages deep root growth. Water is especially critical during tasseling, silking, and ear development.
- Weeding: Keep weeds under control, especially when plants are young. Use a shallow mulch to supress weeds and conserve soil moisture, but wait until the soil is thoroughly warm before applying it.
- Fertilizing Again: When plants are about 12 inches tall, side-dress with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. This fuels the rapid growth phase.
- Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for common pests like corn earworms and aphids. For earworms, a few drops of mineral oil on the silk tip can help. Rotating where you plant corn each year helps manage soil-borne pests.
Signs Your Corn is Ready for Harvest
For sweet corn, harvest usually comes about 18-24 days after the silks first appear. Here’s how to tell it’s ready:
- The silks have turned brown and dry.
- The ear feels firm and full.
- Pierce a kernel with your fingernail—a milky, white liquid should squirt out. If it’s clear, it’s not ready. If it’s pasty, you’ve waited to long.
For the best flavor, harvest in the early morning and get your corn to the table or refrigerator as quick as possible, as sugars begin converting to starch immediately after picking.
FAQ: Planting Corn in Texas
Can I plant corn in the fall in Texas?
Yes, in many parts of Texas (especially South, Central, and East), you can plant a fall crop. Aim to plant so that the corn matures before the first fall frost. This usually means planting in late July or early August. Fall corn often has fewer pest problems but may require more attentive watering.
What happens if I plant corn to early?
Planting in cold soil leads to slow germination, seed rot, and weak seedlings. These plants are more susceptible to disease and may never catch up to properly timed plantings.
How long does it take for corn to grow?
Most sweet corn varieties take between 70 and 90 days from planting to harvest. The exact number of “days to maturity” will be listed on your seed packet.
Can I grow corn in a small garden?
Yes, but remember it must be planted in a block for pollination. You can try shorter, compact varieties. Just ensure you have enough space for at least a 4ft x 4ft block of plants to get good ear development.
Why did my corn have poorly filled ears?
This is most often due to poor pollination, which can be caused by planting in single rows (not blocks), extreme heat during tasseling, or insufficent water. Pest damage to the silks can also interfere.
By following these regional timing guides and planting tips, you’ll greatly increase your chances of harvesting sweet, delicious corn from your own Texas garden. Paying attention to soil temperature and providing consistent water are the two most impactful things you can do. Now you’re ready to get those seeds in the ground at the perfect time.