When to Plant Sweet Corn in Florida
Direct Sow Outdoors
Thursday, December 18, 2025
State
Florida
USDA Zones
8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Avg Last Frost
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Cities Covered
520
Florida Planting Schedule by Zone
Florida spans 7 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| 9a | Friday, February 20, 2026 | Friday, February 6, 2026 |
| 9b | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
| 10a | Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Sunday, January 11, 2026 |
| 10b | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
| 11a | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
| 11b | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Sweet Corn
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Growing Sweet Corn in Florida: Complete Guide
Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Florida, the right time to direct sow is around Thursday, December 18, 2025, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Florida stretches across 7 USDA hardiness zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 75 days to maturity, Sweet Corn fits comfortably within Florida's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Sweet Corn requires full sun (8+ hours) and high (consistent moisture, especially at silking) moisture. Most of Florida receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Florida.
Growing Sweet Corn in Florida: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Florida gardeners.
Corn earworm pressure peaks in summer
Apply mineral oil to silk channels 5–7 days after silk emergence — a few drops per ear deters earworm entry without affecting kernel development.
Plant in April for July harvest
Southeast gardeners plant sweet corn in April and harvest in July before heat peaks; a second planting in late July matures in October in the cooler fall temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Florida?
In Florida, direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors around Thursday, December 18, 2025. Florida spans zones 8b–11b, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Florida?
Florida spans 7 USDA zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), so last frost dates vary by region. Day, Tallahassee, Argyle (8b) sees frost until around Sunday, March 15, 2026, while Long Key, Islamorada, Key West (11b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Sweet Corn take to grow in Florida?
Sweet Corn takes about 75 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Florida's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Florida cover for Sweet Corn?
Florida includes zones 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b. Sweet Corn grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.