Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Corn (Sweet) in Arkansas

Nothing says summer like fresh sweet corn. Plant in blocks (not rows) for proper pollination.

The Short Answer

In Arkansas, corn (sweet) planting dates vary by region. In Northern Arkansas, your average last frost is around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas sees its last frost around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Since corn (sweet) are frost-sensitive, direct sow 2 weeks after your last frost date. Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage.

Arkansas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Arkansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arkansas 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Arkansas 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Southern Arkansas 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Corn (Sweet) Planting Schedule for Arkansas

Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Arkansas (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Southern Arkansas (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Corn (Sweet) in Arkansas

Corn (Sweet) in Arkansas's Climate

Sweet corn hits the table earlier in warm climates — plant in March-April and harvest before northern states even think about planting. The goal is tasseling before consistent 95°F+ days, which can impair pollination. A second short-season crop in late July for fall harvest is possible in many warm zones.

Soil Considerations for Arkansas

Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting corn (sweet) outside.

Arkansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables. Corn (Sweet) cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.

Growing season length varies across Arkansas: Northern Arkansas (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas (7b, 8a) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. This difference matters for corn (sweet) — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

Growing Tips

Plant in blocks of at least 4x4 for wind pollination. Corn is a heavy feeder — amend soil with compost before planting.

Companion Planting

Plant corn (sweet) alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Squash Melons

Keep corn (sweet) away from:

Tomatoes

The Bottom Line

Corn (Sweet) can be grown successfully across Arkansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arkansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Arkansas can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Corn (Sweet) Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Arkansas Planting Calendar All plants for Arkansas Corn (Sweet) in Alabama Alabama planting dates Corn (Sweet) in Alaska Alaska planting dates Corn (Sweet) in Arizona Arizona planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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