When to plant sweet corn in Alabama
Alabama’s average last spring frost is March 25, and the first fall frost typically arrives around November 5 — about 225 frost-free days (USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a). Sweet Corn needs 60–100 days to mature, which fits comfortably within Alabama's growing season.
When to plant sweet corn in Alabama: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Mar 27 – Apr 15. Wait until the soil is at least 55°F and frost is over.
Succession sow again in Alabama: Apr 15 · Apr 29 · May 13 · May 27 · Jun 10 · Jun 24 · Jul 8 · Jul 22
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow sweet corn in Alabama, step by step
- Prepare the bed. It needs at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day and loose soil at least 24 inches deep, with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Sow outdoors (Mar 27 – Apr 15). Space plants about 10 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart, sowing seed 1.5 inches deep. It is killed by frost, so nothing goes outside until the danger has passed.
- Water and feed. It needs plenty of water; keep the soil evenly moist and never let it dry out.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: corn earworm, European corn borer, corn rootworm, raccoons. Diseases and disorders: common smut, common rust, Stewart's wilt.
- Harvest (from about May 31 – Jul 10). Sweet Corn takes 60-100 days to reach harvest. Plant in a block of at least 4 short rows, not one long row, or the ears fill unevenly. Keep sugar-enhanced and supersweet types isolated from field corn. Succeed by sowing every 2 weeks or planting early/mid/late varieties together.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use Alabama’s average frost dates. More in the full sweet corn growing guide.
Sweet Corn planting dates by USDA zone in Alabama
Alabama spans USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average, so the sweet corn dates shift with them.
When to plant sweet corn in nearby states
| State | Last frost | Sow |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (this page) | March 25 | Mar 27 – Apr 15 |
| Mississippi | March 20 | Mar 22 – Apr 10 |
| Louisiana | March 5 | Mar 7 – Mar 26 |
| Florida | February 12 | Feb 14 – Mar 5 |
| Arkansas | April 3 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
Questions gardeners in Alabama ask
When is the best time to plant sweet corn in Alabama?
Sow sweet corn in Alabama between March 27 and April 15. That timing is set by Alabama's average last spring frost of March 25.
What is the latest I can plant sweet corn in Alabama?
About September 6. Sweet corn needs at least 60 days to mature, and frost around November 5 ends the season, so later plantings risk being cut short.
When will sweet corn planted in Alabama be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, sweet corn is usually ready from about May 31 to July 10, 60-100 days after sowing.
When is the last frost in Alabama?
On average around March 25, with the first fall frost around November 5 - about 225 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.