When to plant corn in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Mar 29 · First harvest Jun 7 · Wrap by Jun 28

Last spring frostMar 15

Direct sowMar 29

First harvestJun 7

Last harvestJun 28

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Corn matures in about 70–90 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Mar 29 and first picking around Jun 7.

Will corn survive frost in zone 8b?

No — corn is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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