When To Plant Sweet Corn In Texas

If you’re planning your garden in the Lone Star State, knowing when to plant sweet corn in Texas is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial because corn loves warmth but struggles in our extreme summer heat.

Texas is a big state with several climate zones, so there isn’t one single perfect date. Your schedule depends heavily on whether you live in North Texas, Central Texas, or South Texas. Planting at the correct time ensures your corn grows strong and produces full, sweet ears before the weather turns too harsh.

This heading gives you the core answer, but your specific dates follow in the sections below. The general rule is to plant after the last spring frost when soil temperatures are reliably above 50°F (10°C), and ideally warming to 60°F (16°C) for good germination.

Texas Planting Dates by Region

Because Texas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 10a, timing varies widely. Use this as your primary guide.

North Texas (Zones 6b-8a): Plant from late March through mid-April. Wait until soil is warm; a late frost can damage seedlings.
Central Texas (Zones 8b-9a): This is prime corn country. Aim for mid-February to late March. You can often get a second planting in by early August for a fall harvest.
South Texas & Coastal Areas (Zones 9b-10a): You can plant very early, from late January to February. A fall planting in September is also very successful, avoiding the peak summer heat.

Why Timing is Everything for Sweet Corn

Corn is sensitive to both cold and extreme heat. Planting to early in cool soil leads to poor germination and weak plants. Planting to late means the corn will try to pollinate during the peak summer heat, which can ruin your crop.

High temperatures during pollination cause pollen to become less viable and can dry out the silks. If the silks aren’t receptive, kernels don’t form, and you get spotty ears. Beating the heat is a key goal.

How to Check Your Soil Temperature

Don’t just rely on the calendar. Use a soil thermometer to check at a 2-inch depth in the morning for several consecutive days.

Purchase an inexpensive soil thermometer from a garden center.
Insert it into your prepared garden bed around 9-10 AM.
Wait for a consistent reading of at least 50°F, with 60°F being ideal.
If the soil is warm enough, you’re clear to plant, even if your calendar says it’s a bit early.

Choosing the Right Variety for Texas

Selecting a variety suited to your season length and heat tolerance is vital. Look for these types:

Early Season (65-75 days): Great for North Texas or for getting a quick harvest before summer. Examples: ‘Early Golden Bantam’, ‘Sugar Buns’.
Main Season (75-85 days): Reliable standards with good yield. Examples: ‘Golden Bantam’, ‘Silver Queen’ (a white corn).
Supersweet (SH2) Types: These have higher sugar content and hold their sweetness longer. They often need warmer soil to germinate. Example: ‘How Sweet It Is’.

Always check the “days to maturity” on the seed packet and count backward from your expected first fall frost to see if you have enough time.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Corn is a heavy feeder and needs lots of nutrients and sunlight.

Sun: Choose a spot with full sun—at least 8 hours of direct light.
Soil: Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Fertilizer: Mix in a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) according to package directions before planting.

Planting Your Sweet Corn Seeds

Follow these steps for a strong start.

Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep.
Space seeds about 8-10 inches apart within a row.
Space rows 2.5 to 3 feet apart. Corn is wind-pollinated, so planting in blocks of at least 4 rows side-by-side (rather than one long row) ensures better pollination.
Water the seeds in well and keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

Succession Planting for a Longer Harvest

Don’t plant all your seeds at once. To extend your harvest window, practice succession planting.

Plant a portion of your seeds, then wait 10-14 days and plant another block.
This staggers the maturity dates so you don’t have 50 ears of corn ready all on the same weekend.
In Central and South Texas, you can do a completely separate planting in late summer for a fall harvest.

Caring for Your Growing Corn

Once your corn is up, consistent care makes all the difference.

Watering: Corn needs about 1 inch of water per week. This is critical during tasseling, silking, and ear development. Use soaker hoses or water at the base to avoid wetting foliage.
Fertilizing: Side-dress with a high-nitrogen fertilizer when plants are about knee-high (12 inches tall).
Weeding: Weed carefully when plants are young. Once corn is taller, its shade will suppress some weeds.
Pests: Watch for corn earworms and armyworms. Apply a few drops of vegetable oil or a recommended organic pesticide to the silk tips just as silks start to brown.

Knowing When to Harvest

Harvest usually comes about 18-24 days after the silks first appear. Look for these signs:

The silks have turned dry and brown.
The ear feels firm and full.
The kernels exude a milky, not clear, liquid when punctured with a fingernail.

For the best flavor, harvest in the morning and get the corn into ice water or eat it immediately—sugars start converting to starch the moment its picked.

Common Problems and Solutions in Texas

Texas gardeners face a few specific challenges.

Poor Kernel Development: Usually caused by heat stress during pollination or inadequate water. Ensure deep watering and plant early to avoid peak heat.
Stunted Growth: Often from cool, wet soil at planting or nutrient-deficient soil. Warm your soil with black plastic if needed and amend soil well.
Raccoons & Birds: They love ripe corn. Try to harvest promptly. Some gardeners use motion-activated sprinklers or secure the ears with rubber bands.

FAQ: Sweet Corn in Texas

Can I plant sweet corn in the fall in Texas?

Yes, in many parts of Texas! In Central and South Texas, plant a fast-maturing variety about 10-12 weeks before your first expected fall frost, often in late August or early September.

What is the latest I can plant sweet corn?

Count backward from your first fall frost date using the “days to maturity” on your seed packet. Add 10 days for harvesting time. If your frost date is Nov 15 and your corn needs 80 days, you’d need to plant by late August at the very latest.

How often should I water sweet corn?

Deep watering once or twice a week is better than frequent light sprinklings. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, especially from tasseling through harvest. Mulching helps retain this moisture.

Can I grow corn in a small garden?

Yes, but focus on planting in a tight block (like 4 plants by 4 plants) for pollination instead of long rows. Some shorter, compact varieties are also better suited for small spaces.

With the right timing and care, growing sweet corn in Texas is deeply rewarding. By following these regional schedules and tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your own homegrown, delicious corn straight from the garden. There’s nothing quite like it.