Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Corn (Sweet) in Texas

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

The Short Answer

Texas sweet corn hits the table earlier than almost anywhere else in the country — south Texas gardeners harvest in May while northern states are still planting. The state's heat is both friend and enemy: corn loves warmth but extreme heat above 95°F during pollination causes poor kernel development. Texas gardeners who time their planting correctly get spectacular results.

Texas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Corn (Sweet) Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Corn (Sweet) in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Texas: plant in mid-March to early April. Central Texas: plant from late February through March. South Texas: plant as early as January. The goal is tasseling and pollination before consistent 95°F+ days arrive in June-July. Plant in blocks for pollination. Texas soils vary enormously — amend with nitrogen-rich compost regardless of soil type, as corn is a voracious feeder. Deep watering during ear development is critical in Texas heat. Some north Texas gardeners plant a second short-season crop in late July for fall harvest.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Silver Queen and Incredible for standard sweet corn. Honey Select for super-sweet. In south Texas, try Bodacious and Merit — both handle heat well. Texas A&M recommends early-maturing varieties (65-70 days) to beat summer heat to the punch.

Common Challenges in Texas

Corn earworm is prolific in Texas — it's the same pest as tomato fruitworm and cotton bollworm. Armyworms march through corn fields in waves. Fire ants build mounds at stalk bases. Drought stress during tasseling causes blank ears — irrigation during pollination week is critical. Southern corn leaf blight in humid east Texas.

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 Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. 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 Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas 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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