When To Plant Corn In Florida

Knowing when to plant corn in Florida is the single most important factor for a successful harvest. Get the timing right, and you’ll be rewarded with tall, healthy stalks and sweet, juicy ears.

Florida’s unique climate, stretching across multiple USDA hardiness zones, means planting dates vary significantly. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for North, Central, and South Florida, along with the practical steps to ensure your corn thrives.

Florida’s long growing season allows for two main corn planting periods: a late winter/spring planting and a late summer/fall planting. The goal is to time the corn’s growth so it matures during warm, but not excessively hot, conditions and avoids the peak of certain pests.

North Florida Planting Dates

North Florida (Zones 8-9) experiences colder winters. Your planting windows are more defined here.

Spring Planting: Aim for late January through mid-March. Wait until soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15.5°C).
Fall Planting: Plant from late August to early September. This allows corn to mature before the first frost, which can occure in late November or December.

Central Florida Planting Dates

Central Florida (Zones 9-10) has a more forgiving climate with a longer frost-free period.

Spring Planting: You can start as early as January and continue through February and March.
Fall Planting: The ideal window is from mid-August to late September. The warm soil promotes quick germination.

South Florida Planting Dates

South Florida (Zones 10-11) is subtropical, with very mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Primary Planting: The best time is during the drier, cooler months. Plant from October through March.
Key Consideration: Avoid planting in the peak summer rainy season (June-September), as intense heat, humidity, and disease pressure can harm the crop.

Why Timing is Everything

Planting at the right time isn’t just about frost. It affects pollination, which is critical for full ears.

Heat Stress: Corn tasseling and silking during extreme summer heat can lead to poor pollination and incomplete ears.
Pest Avoidance: Fall-planted corn often avoids the worst of the corn earworm and fall armyworm populations that peak in midsummer.
Rainfall Patterns: Aligning your growth with natural rain patterns reduces the need for supplemental watering, though irrigation is usually still needed.

Choosing the Right Corn Variety

Selecting a variety suited for Florida’s heat and disease pressure is crucial. Look for these types:

Sweet Corn Varieties: Choose hybrids with good heat tolerance and disease resistance. Popular choices include ‘Silver Queen’ (white), ‘How Sweet It Is’ (sh2 type), and ‘Bicolor Harmony’.
Days to Maturity: For a fall crop, consider a variety with a shorter days-to-maturity rating (e.g., 65-75 days) to ensure it finishes before cooler weather.
Disease Resistance: Seek out varieties resistant to common southern rust and other fungal diseases prevalent in Florida’s humidity.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for a strong start.

1. Site and Soil Preparation

Corn needs full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prepare the soil well in advance.

Corn is a heavy feeder. Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 8 inches of soil.
Perform a soil test. Corn prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Florida’s sandy soils often need amendments like lime to raise pH.
Ensure the planting area has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

2. Planting Method and Spacing

Corn is wind-pollinated, so proper spacing and block planting are non-negotiable.

Plant seeds directly in the garden; corn does not transplant well.
Sow seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep in moist soil.
Space seeds 8-12 inches apart within a row.
Arrange rows in a block (at least 4 rows side-by-side) rather than a single long row. This improves pollen transfer between stalks.
Space rows 30-36 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.

3. Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent care is key, especially in sandy Florida soil.

Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply at the soil level to encourage deep roots. Drip irrigation is ideal.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at planting. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about 12 inches tall and again when they start to tassel. This gives them the boost they need.

Common Challenges in Florida

Being prepared for these issues will save you alot of frustration.

Pests

Corn Earworm: This is the most common pest. Apply a few drops of mineral oil to the silk tip just as it starts to brown.
Fall Armyworm: Monitor for ragged leaf feeding. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray for organic control.
Birds & Raccoons: Birds may pull up young shoots. Raccoons love ripe corn. Consider deterrents like netting or electric fencing if they become a serious problem.

Diseases

Southern Corn Rust: Appears as small, circular orange pustules on leaves. Plant resistant varieties and ensure good air flow.
Leaf Blights: Caused by fungi in warm, wet weather. Remove affected plant debris and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting Your Florida Corn

Your patience pays off! Harvest typically comes 18-24 days after the first silks appear.

Check for full, plump kernels that exude a milky liquid when pierced.
The silks should be dry and brown, and the ear should feel firm.
Harvest in the early morning when sugar content is highest for the best flavor.
Use immediately for peak sweetness, as sugar converts to starch rapidly after picking.

FAQ: Planting Corn in Florida

Can I plant corn year-round in Florida?

Not successfully. While frost isn’t a issue in the south, peak summer heat, humidity, and pest pressure make growing healthy corn very difficult. Stick to the recommended windows for your region.

What is the latest I can plant corn in Florida?

For North Florida, aim to have your fall crop planted by early September. In Central Florida, late September is your cutoff. In South Florida, you can plant as late as early March for a spring harvest before the intense summer heat.

How long does it take for corn to grow in Florida?

Most sweet corn varieties take 70-90 days from seed to harvest. Florida’s warm soil can speed up germination, but the maturation time depends largely on the variety you choose and the weather conditions.

Why did my corn have missing kernels?

This is usually a pollination issue. It can be caused by planting in a single row (instead of a block), extreme heat during tasseling, or insufficient water. Ensuring good block planting is the easiest way to improve pollination.

By following this regional timing guide and focusing on soil health and proper spacing, you’ll greatly increase your chances of a bountiful corn harvest. Paying attention to your local weather patterns each year will also help you fine-tune your planting dates for the best results. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh-picked corn grown right in your own backyard.