Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Corn (Sweet) in Florida

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

The Short Answer

Florida sweet corn is a late-winter and spring crop, with south Florida harvesting as early as March — months ahead of the national crop. The state's commercial sweet corn industry centers on the muck soils south of Lake Okeechobee, but home gardeners throughout Florida can grow excellent corn by following the state's inverted calendar.

Florida Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Corn (Sweet) Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Corn (Sweet) in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: plant from February through March. Central Florida: plant from January through February. South Florida: plant from October through January. Florida's sandy soils need significant amendment for corn — it's one of the heaviest feeders in the garden. Side-dress with nitrogen at least twice during the growing season. Plant in blocks for wind pollination. Don't attempt summer corn — Florida's combination of extreme heat, humidity, and pest pressure during June-August overwhelms the crop. UF/IFAS Extension provides Florida-specific corn variety trials.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Silver Queen and How Sweet It Is for standard planting. Obsession and Incredible are recommended by UF/IFAS for Florida conditions. Choose varieties with multiple disease resistances — rust and leaf blight are common in Florida's humid conditions. Super-sweet varieties store longer in Florida's heat but are more finicky to germinate.

Common Challenges in Florida

Fall armyworm is devastating in Florida — it can destroy a planting in days. Apply Bt at first sign of damage. Corn earworm is present throughout the season. Rust and common smut appear in humid conditions. Nematodes in sandy soils can stunt root development — rotate locations annually. Birds pull up seedlings — floating row cover until plants are established helps.

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 in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Corn (Sweet) in Alabama Alabama planting dates Corn (Sweet) in Alaska Alaska planting dates Corn (Sweet) in Arizona Arizona planting dates Corn (Sweet) in Arkansas Arkansas 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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