When to plant corn in zone 6b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow May 4 · First harvest Jul 13 · Wrap by Aug 3

Last spring frostApr 20

Direct sowMay 4

First harvestJul 13

Last harvestAug 3

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 frost-free days. Corn is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost.

Common questions

How long does corn take to grow in zone 6b?

Corn matures in about 70–90 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around May 4 and first picking around Jul 13.

Will corn survive frost in zone 6b?

No — corn is frost-sensitive. In zone 6b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 20) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full corn growing guide →