When to plant sweet corn in District of Columbia
District of Columbia’s average last spring frost is April 10, and the first fall frost typically arrives around October 25 — about 198 frost-free days (USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a). Sweet Corn needs 60–100 days to mature, which fits comfortably within District of Columbia's growing season.
When to plant sweet corn in District of Columbia: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Apr 12 – May 1. Wait until the soil is at least 55°F and frost is over.
Succession sow again in District of Columbia: May 1 · May 15 · May 29 · Jun 12 · Jun 26 · Jul 10 · Jul 24 · Aug 7
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 District of Columbia, 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 (Apr 12 – May 1). 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 Jun 16 – Jul 26). 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 District of Columbia’s average frost dates. More in the full sweet corn growing guide.
Sweet Corn planting dates by USDA zone in District of Columbia
District of Columbia spans USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (this page) | April 10 | Apr 12 – May 1 |
| New Jersey | April 20 | Apr 22 – May 11 |
| Pennsylvania | May 1 | May 3 – May 22 |
| Delaware | April 14 | Apr 16 – May 5 |
| Maryland | April 14 | Apr 16 – May 5 |
| Virginia | April 15 | Apr 17 – May 6 |
| West Virginia | May 5 | May 7 – May 26 |
Questions gardeners in District of Columbia ask
When is the best time to plant sweet corn in District of Columbia?
Sow sweet corn in District of Columbia between April 12 and May 1. That timing is set by District of Columbia's average last spring frost of April 10.
What is the latest I can plant sweet corn in District of Columbia?
About August 26. Sweet corn needs at least 60 days to mature, and frost around October 25 ends the season, so later plantings risk being cut short.
When will sweet corn planted in District of Columbia be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, sweet corn is usually ready from about June 16 to July 26, 60-100 days after sowing.
When is the last frost in District of Columbia?
On average around April 10, with the first fall frost around October 25 - about 198 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.