Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Corn (Sweet) in Tennessee

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

The Short Answer

In Tennessee, corn (sweet) planting dates vary by region. In East Tennessee, your average last frost is around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee sees its last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 10. Since corn (sweet) are frost-sensitive, direct sow 2 weeks after your last frost date. Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east.

Tennessee Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
East Tennessee 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Corn (Sweet) Planting Schedule for Tennessee

East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Corn (Sweet) in Tennessee

Corn (Sweet) in Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting corn (sweet) outside.

Tennessee Climate & Growing Season

Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety 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 Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. 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 Tennessee, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. East Tennessee gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 25 last frost, while those in West Tennessee 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 Tennessee Planting Calendar All plants for Tennessee 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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