When to Plant Corn in Kansas: A Guide for Farmers

When to Plant Corn in Kansas

Corn is a staple crop in Kansas, and the timing of its planting is critical to ensuring a successful harvest. The ideal planting date for corn in Kansas depends on a number of factors, including the variety of corn being planted, the soil conditions, and the weather forecast.

In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when determining the best time to plant corn in Kansas. We will also provide a planting schedule for corn in Kansas, based on the average last frost date for each growing zone.

By understanding the factors that affect corn planting and using a planting schedule, you can increase your chances of growing a bountiful harvest of corn in Kansas.

Month	Average Last Frost Date	Days to Maturity
April	May 15	90-100
May	May 1	80-90
June	April 15	70-80

Corn is a staple crop in Kansas, and the state’s climate is ideal for growing it. The growing season in Kansas is long, with plenty of warm days and cool nights. The state also receives adequate rainfall, which is essential for corn production.

However, there is a narrow window of time when corn can be planted in Kansas. If corn is planted too early, it may be damaged by frost. If it is planted too late, it may not mature before the first frost.

The optimal time to plant corn in Kansas is between April 15 and May 15. This allows the corn to take advantage of the warm weather and plenty of rainfall.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a planting date for corn in Kansas. These factors include:

• The risk of frost. The risk of frost is highest in early spring. If there is a chance of frost, it is best to wait to plant corn until the risk has passed.
• The amount of rainfall. Corn needs plenty of water to grow. If there is a drought, it may be necessary to delay planting until there is more rain in the forecast.
• The expected temperature. Corn grows best in warm weather. If the weather is expected to be cold, it may be necessary to delay planting until the weather warms up.

How to Plant Corn

Once you have chosen a planting date, you can begin planting corn. To plant corn, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the soil. The soil should be well-drained and loose. If the soil is compacted, it will be difficult for the corn roots to grow.
2. Sow the seeds. Corn seeds should be planted 2 inches deep. The seeds should be spaced 8 to 10 inches apart.
3. Water the seeds. Corn seeds need plenty of water to germinate. Water the seeds regularly until they have sprouted.
4. Thin the seedlings. Once the seedlings have sprouted, they should be thinned to 6 inches apart. This will allow the plants to grow to their full potential.

Corn Care

Once the corn has been planted, it will need to be cared for properly. This includes watering, fertilizing, and controlling pests.

• Watering. Corn needs plenty of water to grow. Water the corn regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilizing. Corn is a heavy feeder and needs plenty of fertilizer to grow. Apply fertilizer to the corn every 4 to 6 weeks.
• Pest control. Corn is susceptible to a variety of pests, including insects, diseases, and weeds. It is important to monitor the corn for pests and treat them as needed.

Harvesting Corn

Corn is ready to harvest when the kernels are hard and the husks are dry. To harvest corn, follow these steps:

1. Cut the cornstalks at the base.
2. Remove the husks from the corn.
3. Remove the kernels from the cobs.
4. Store the corn in a cool, dry place.

Corn can be eaten fresh, frozen, or canned. It can also be used to make a variety of dishes, including cornbread, corn on the cob, and corn pudding.

Corn is a delicious and nutritious crop that is easy to grow in Kansas. By following these tips, you can successfully grow corn in your own backyard.

Additional Resources

• [The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Corn](https://extension.unl.edu/cropwatch/corn)
• [The Kansas State University Research and Extension: Corn](https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/crops/corn/)
• [The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service: Corn](https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Corn/)

When To Plant Corn In Kansas?

The best time to plant corn in Kansas depends on the variety of corn you are planting and the region of the state where you are located. In general, corn should be planted when the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some varieties of corn can be planted in cooler soil, while others require warmer soil.

The following table provides a general planting schedule for corn in Kansas:

| Variety | Planting Date |
|—|—|
| Early maturing varieties | April 15-May 1 |
| Mid-season maturing varieties | May 1-May 15 |
| Late maturing varieties | May 15-June 1 |

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the specific planting date for your corn may vary depending on the weather conditions in your area. If you are unsure of when to plant your corn, it is best to consult with your local extension agent.

Once you have determined the best time to plant your corn, you can begin preparing your soil. Corn requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is not well-drained, you may need to add sand or gravel to improve drainage. You should also add compost or manure to your soil to increase the organic matter content.

Once your soil is prepared, you can begin planting your corn. Corn seeds should be planted 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. The rows of corn should be spaced 3 feet apart.

After planting your corn, you will need to water it regularly. Corn requires about 1 inch of water per week. You may need to water your corn more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Corn is a relatively easy crop to grow, and it can be a profitable crop for farmers in Kansas. By following these planting guidelines, you can help ensure that your corn crop is successful.

How To Plant Corn In Kansas

Planting corn in Kansas is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know in order to get the best results. Here are the steps involved in planting corn in Kansas:

1. Choose the right variety of corn. There are many different varieties of corn available, so it’s important to choose one that is suited for your growing conditions. The following factors should be considered when choosing a variety of corn:

• Climate: Corn is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season. Choose a variety of corn that is adapted to the climate in your area.
• Soil type: Corn does best in well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is not well-drained, you may need to add sand or gravel to improve drainage.
• Pests and diseases: Some varieties of corn are more resistant to pests and diseases than others. If you have a history of pests or diseases in your area, choose a variety of corn that is resistant to those pests or diseases.

2. Prepare the soil. Corn requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is not well-drained, you may need to add sand or gravel to improve drainage. You should also add compost or manure to your soil to increase the organic matter content.
3. Plant the corn. Corn seeds should be planted 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. The rows of corn should be spaced 3 feet apart.
4. Water the corn. Corn requires about 1 inch of water per week. You may need to water your corn more often if the weather is hot and dry.
5. Fertilize the corn. Corn needs a lot of nutrients to grow well. You should fertilize your corn every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
6. Control pests and diseases. Corn is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. You should monitor your corn crop for signs of pests and diseases and take steps to control them as needed.
7. Harvest the corn. Corn is ready to harvest when the kernels are plump and golden yellow. You can harvest corn by hand or with a combine harvester.

By following these steps, you can successfully plant corn in Kansas and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Corn Planting Tips For Kansas

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results when planting corn in Kansas:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Corn is a warm-season crop that requires a lot of sunlight. It also does best in soil that is well-drained.
• Plant corn seeds 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. The rows of corn should be spaced 3 feet apart.

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When is the best time to plant corn in Kansas?

The best time to plant corn in Kansas is from late April to early May. The optimal soil temperature for corn germination is 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the soil should be warm and moist.

What are the factors to consider when choosing a corn variety for Kansas?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a corn variety for Kansas, including:

• Corn maturity group: The maturity group of a corn variety refers to the number of days it takes for the corn to reach maturity. Corn maturity groups range from 0 to 18, with 0 being the earliest maturing and 18 being the latest maturing. The ideal maturity group for a corn variety in Kansas will depend on the specific growing conditions in your area.
• Yield potential: The yield potential of a corn variety refers to the average yield that the variety can produce under ideal conditions. When choosing a corn variety for Kansas, it is important to select a variety that has a high yield potential in your area.
• Disease resistance: Corn is susceptible to a number of diseases, including corn smut, corn rust, and corn leaf blight. When choosing a corn variety for Kansas, it is important to select a variety that is resistant to the diseases that are prevalent in your area.
• Stress tolerance: Corn can be affected by a number of stresses, including drought, heat, and insects. When choosing a corn variety for Kansas, it is important to select a variety that is tolerant to the stresses that are common in your area.

How much corn should I plant per acre?

The recommended planting rate for corn in Kansas is 30,000-36,000 seeds per acre. The exact planting rate will depend on the specific corn variety you are planting, as well as the soil conditions and weather conditions in your area.

How deep should I plant corn seeds?

Corn seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep. Planting corn seeds too deep can delay germination, while planting them too shallow can expose them to the elements and increase the risk of seedling mortality.

What should I do if my corn seedlings are not emerging?

If your corn seedlings are not emerging, there are a number of possible causes, including:

• The soil temperature is too cold. Corn seeds will not germinate if the soil temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The soil is too dry. Corn seeds need moist soil in order to germinate.
• The seeds were planted too deep. Corn seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep.
• The seeds were planted too close together. Corn seedlings need space to grow.
• The seeds were infested with pests or diseases. Pests and diseases can kill corn seedlings.

If you suspect that your corn seedlings are not emerging due to one of these factors, you can take steps to correct the problem. For example, if the soil temperature is too cold, you can cover the seeds with a layer of straw or plastic to warm the soil. If the soil is too dry, you can water the seeds regularly. If the seeds were planted too deep, you can carefully remove them from the soil and replant them at the correct depth. If the seeds were planted too close together, you can thin the seedlings to give them more space to grow. If the seeds were infested with pests or diseases, you can treat them with an insecticide or fungicide.

What are the common pests and diseases of corn in Kansas?

The most common pests of corn in Kansas include:

• Corn earworm: The corn earworm is a moth that lays its eggs on corn silks. The larvae of the corn earworm feed on the kernels of corn, causing damage to the ears.
• Corn rootworm: The corn rootworm is a beetle that feeds on the roots of corn plants. This can damage the roots and stunt the growth of the plants.
• Corn borer: The corn borer is a moth that lays its eggs on corn leaves. The larvae of the corn borer tunnel into the stalks of corn plants, causing damage to the stalks and ears.

The most common diseases of corn in Kansas include:

• Corn smut: Corn smut is a fungus that causes tumors to grow on corn kernels. These tumors can be unsightly and can also reduce the yield of corn.
• Corn rust: Corn rust is a fungus that causes lesions to form on the leaves of corn plants. These lesions can reduce the photosynthetic capacity of the leaves and can also lead to the death of the plants

  When to plant corn in Kansas is a question that has a lot of variables. The ideal planting date will depend on the variety of corn you are planting, the expected frost date in your area, and the soil temperature. In general, corn should be planted when the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are planting a late-season variety of corn, you may need to wait until the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The expected frost date is also an important factor to consider when determining when to plant corn. If you live in an area with a short growing season, you will need to plant your corn early enough to allow it to mature before the first frost. However, if you live in an area with a long growing season, you may be able to get away with planting your corn later.

Finally, the type of soil you have will also affect the ideal planting date. Corn does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you may need to amend it with compost or manure before planting.

By considering all of these factors, you can determine the best time to plant corn in Kansas for your specific situation. By planting your corn at the right time, you can help ensure that it reaches maturity and produces a bountiful harvest.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when planting corn in Kansas:

• The ideal planting date for corn is when the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Late-season varieties of corn may need to be planted when the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The expected frost date is another important factor to consider when determining when to plant corn.
• Corn does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
• By planting your corn at the right time, you can help ensure that it reaches maturity and produces a bountiful harvest.