When to plant sweet corn in Missouri
Missouri’s average last spring frost is April 15, and the first fall frost typically arrives around October 18 — about 186 frost-free days (USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a). Sweet Corn needs 60–100 days to mature, which fits comfortably within Missouri's growing season.
When to plant sweet corn in Missouri: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Apr 17 – May 6. Wait until the soil is at least 55°F and frost is over.
Succession sow again in Missouri: May 6 · May 20 · Jun 3 · Jun 17 · Jul 1 · Jul 15 · Jul 29
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 Missouri, 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 17 – May 6). 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 21 – Jul 31). 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 Missouri’s average frost dates. More in the full sweet corn growing guide.
Sweet Corn planting dates by USDA zone in Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. 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
Questions gardeners in Missouri ask
When is the best time to plant sweet corn in Missouri?
Sow sweet corn in Missouri between April 17 and May 6. That timing is set by Missouri's average last spring frost of April 15.
What is the latest I can plant sweet corn in Missouri?
About August 19. Sweet corn needs at least 60 days to mature, and frost around October 18 ends the season, so later plantings risk being cut short.
When will sweet corn planted in Missouri be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, sweet corn is usually ready from about June 21 to July 31, 60-100 days after sowing.
When is the last frost in Missouri?
On average around April 15, with the first fall frost around October 18 - about 186 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.