When to Plant Corn (Sweet) in New Jersey
Nothing says summer like fresh sweet corn. Plant in blocks (not rows) for proper pollination.
The Short Answer
New Jersey Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New Jersey you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern New Jersey | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central New Jersey | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| Southern New Jersey | 7a, 7b | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Corn (Sweet) Planting Schedule for New Jersey
Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Corn (Sweet) in New Jersey
Corn (Sweet) in New Jersey's Climate
Your climate is classic corn country. Direct sow from mid-May. Succession plant through late June for harvests from July through September. Moderate summer temperatures produce long-lasting ears without the heat stress that shortens quality in southern states. European corn borer and corn earworm are the primary pests.
Soil Considerations for New Jersey
Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting corn (sweet) outside.
New Jersey Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops. 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 New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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:
Keep corn (sweet) away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026