When to plant corn in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Apr 8 · First harvest Jun 17 · Wrap by Jul 8

Last spring frostMar 25

Direct sowApr 8

First harvestJun 17

Last harvestJul 8

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 8a?

Corn matures in about 70–90 days from sowing. In zone 8a that means sowing around Apr 8 and first picking around Jun 17.

Will corn survive frost in zone 8a?

No — corn is frost-sensitive. In zone 8a, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 25) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

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