When to plant corn in zone 7a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Apr 29 · First harvest Jul 8 · Wrap by Jul 29

Last spring frostApr 15

Direct sowApr 29

First harvestJul 8

Last harvestJul 29

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 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 7a?

Corn matures in about 70–90 days from sowing. In zone 7a that means sowing around Apr 29 and first picking around Jul 8.

Will corn survive frost in zone 7a?

No — corn is frost-sensitive. In zone 7a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

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