The best time to plant corn depends on your climate, but generally, corn should be planted when the soil temperature reaches around 20°C (68°F) or warmer to ensure good germination. Here are some guidelines:
- In temperate climates, planting is usually done in late April to early May, maximizing yield by avoiding frost damage and planting in warm soil. Mid-April planting can work if there is no late freeze risk, while delayed planting until mid-May can be viable in cooler springs.
- For sweet corn, soil temperatures above 10°C (50°F) are required, so seeds are sown outdoors in late spring or early summer. Indoor sowing earlier in spring for transplant is common in cooler regions.
- In warmer climates or subtropical/tropical areas, corn can be planted from September to December or even year-round in tropical zones, favoring warmer conditions for better growth and pollination.
- Corn thrives when daytime temperatures range between 20-30°C (68-86°F) for best growth and yields.
Plant corn in blocks rather than rows to ensure good pollination from windblown pollen.
In summary, the key is to plant corn after the risk of frost has passed and when soil temperatures consistently reach about 20°C. This corresponds to late April to early May in temperate zones, and adjusting timing based on local climate conditions is important to optimize yield and avoid seed rot or poor germination in cold, wet soil.
