Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Corn (Sweet) in Hawaii

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

The Short Answer

In Hawaii, corn (sweet) planting dates vary by region. In Coastal Hawaii, your average last frost is around None, while Upcountry/Mountain sees its last frost around Rare. Since corn (sweet) are frost-sensitive, direct sow 2 weeks after your last frost date. Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and...

Hawaii Frost Dates

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

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Coastal Hawaii	11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a	None	None
Upcountry/Mountain	10a, 10b, 11a	Rare	Rare

Corn (Sweet) Planting Schedule for Hawaii

Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)

Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None

Direct Sow

2 wks after frost

Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Direct Sow

2 wks after frost

Growing Corn (Sweet) in Hawaii

Corn (Sweet) in Hawaii's Climate

Corn follows the inverted calendar in subtropical zones. Plant from January (south Florida) through March. Harvest before summer heat causes poor kernel development during pollination. Fall armyworm is the most destructive corn pest in hot climates — Bt is essential.

Soil Considerations for Hawaii

Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting corn (sweet) outside.

Hawaii Climate & Growing Season

Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. 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 Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. 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 Hawaii, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Coastal Hawaii gardeners should plan around a None last frost, while those in Upcountry/Mountain can typically plant later. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

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