When to Plant Corn in Seattle: A Guide for Gardeners

When To Plant Corn In Seattle

Corn is a delicious and versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of climates. However, the best time to plant corn in Seattle depends on a few factors, including the climate, the variety of corn you choose, and your planting goals.

In this article, we will discuss the best time to plant corn in Seattle, as well as tips for growing a successful crop. We will also provide information on different varieties of corn that are well-suited for the Seattle climate.

So if you’re thinking about growing corn in Seattle, read on for all the information you need to get started!

Month	Soil Temperature	Germination
April	55F	7-10 days
May	60F	5-7 days
June	65F	4-6 days

When to Plant Corn in Seattle?

Corn is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season to reach maturity. The ideal planting time for corn in Seattle is between May 15 and June 15. However, the exact planting date will depend on a number of factors, including your USDA hardiness zone, the last frost date, your climate, the soil type, and the variety of corn you are planting.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

USDA Hardiness Zone

The USDA hardiness zone is a system that is used to determine the minimum winter temperature that a plant can tolerate. Corn is a hardy crop that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it is best to choose a variety that is adapted to your USDA hardiness zone.

Last Frost Date

The last frost date is the date of the last frost in spring. This is an important factor to consider when planting corn, as corn seedlings are susceptible to frost damage. In Seattle, the last frost date typically occurs in late April or early May.

Climate

The climate in Seattle is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in January is 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in July is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Corn is a heat-loving crop that does best in warm climates. However, it can be grown in Seattle if you choose a variety that is adapted to the climate.

Soil Type

Corn requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for corn is between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is not well-drained, you may need to add compost or sand to improve drainage.

Varieties of Corn

There are many different varieties of corn available, each with its own unique characteristics. When choosing a variety of corn to plant in Seattle, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The maturity date of the variety.
• The height of the variety.
• The color of the corn kernels.
• The flavor of the corn kernels.

How to Plant Corn in Seattle

Once you have considered all of the factors listed above, you can begin planting your corn. Here are the steps involved in planting corn in Seattle:

1. Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 6 inches.
2. Add compost or sand to the soil if it is not well-drained.
3. Plant the corn seeds 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
4. Cover the seeds with soil and water them well.
5. Thin the corn plants to 12 inches apart once they have reached 6 inches tall.
6. Water the corn plants regularly, especially during dry weather.
7. Fertilize the corn plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
8. Protect the corn plants from pests and diseases.

Corn is a delicious and nutritious crop that can be grown in Seattle with proper planning and care. By following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy fresh corn from your own garden this summer.

Resources

• [USDA Hardiness Zone Map](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/)
• [Last Frost Date Map](https://www.almanac.com/garden/planting/frost-dates)
• [Corn Varieties](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/corn/corn-varieties.htm)
• [How to Plant Corn](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-plant-corn-591163)
• [How to Care for Corn](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/corn/caring-for-corn.htm)

When To Plant Corn In Seattle?

The best time to plant corn in Seattle is in early May, after the last frost. Corn is a warm-season crop that does not tolerate frost well, so it is important to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.

Corn can be planted in both the spring and the fall in Seattle. However, spring-planted corn will produce a higher yield than fall-planted corn. This is because the days are longer in the spring, which gives the corn more time to grow.

When planting corn, it is important to space the seeds 12 inches apart and 3 inches deep. Corn should be planted in rows that are 3 feet apart.

Common Problems When Growing Corn in Seattle

Corn is a relatively easy crop to grow, but there are a few common problems that can occur.

• Corn Borers

Corn borers are a type of moth that can damage corn plants. The larvae of the corn borer feed on the corn silks, which can prevent the corn from pollinating and producing kernels. Corn borers can be controlled by using a variety of methods, including:

• Planting corn varieties that are resistant to corn borers
• Applying insecticides to the corn plants
• Hand-picking corn borers from the plants

• Corn Earworms

Corn earworms are a type of caterpillar that can damage corn kernels. The larvae of the corn earworm feed on the kernels of corn, which can make the corn inedible. Corn earworms can be controlled by using a variety of methods, including:

• Planting corn varieties that are resistant to corn earworms
• Applying insecticides to the corn plants
• Hand-picking corn earworms from the plants

• Smut

Smut is a fungal disease that can infect corn plants. Smut can cause the corn kernels to become discolored and shriveled. Smut can be controlled by using a variety of methods, including:

• Planting corn varieties that are resistant to smut
• Applying fungicides to the corn plants
• Rotating crops to prevent the spread of smut

• Downy Mildew

Downy mildew is a fungal disease that can infect corn plants. Downy mildew can cause the corn leaves to become yellow and wilted. Downy mildew can be controlled by using a variety of methods, including:

• Planting corn varieties that are resistant to downy mildew
• Applying fungicides to the corn plants
• Avoiding overhead watering

• Rust

Rust is a fungal disease that can infect corn plants. Rust can cause the corn leaves to become covered with rust-colored spots. Rust can be controlled by using a variety of methods, including:

• Planting corn varieties that are resistant to rust
• Applying fungicides to the corn plants
• Avoiding overhead watering

Harvesting Corn in Seattle

Corn is ready to harvest when the kernels are plump and milky. The best way to determine if the corn is ready to harvest is to remove a cob from the plant and cut it in half. The kernels should be plump and milky, and the cob should be firm.

Corn can be harvested by hand or by using a corn harvester. To harvest corn by hand, use a sharp knife to cut the corn cobs from the stalks. To harvest corn with a corn harvester, simply drive the harvester through the cornfield. The harvester will cut the corn cobs from the stalks and gather them into a wagon.

Once the corn has been harvested, it should be stored in a cool, dry place. Corn can be stored for up to a year if it is properly dried and stored.

Corn is a delicious and nutritious crop that can be grown in Seattle. By following these tips, you can successfully grow corn in your own backyard.

When is the best time to plant corn in Seattle?

The best time to plant corn in Seattle is from mid-May to early June. Corn needs warm soil to germinate, so it’s important to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

How much space do I need to plant corn?

Corn plants need plenty of space to grow, so you should plan on spacing them 3 feet apart in rows that are 4 feet apart.

What kind of soil do I need for corn?

Corn does best in well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is sandy or clayey, you may need to add compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

How much water does corn need?

Corn is a thirsty crop and needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. Aim to water your corn plants deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

What kind of fertilizer do I need for corn?

Corn plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer to your corn plants at planting time and again about 6 weeks later.

How do I protect my corn from pests and diseases?

Corn is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, such as corn borers, corn earworms, and rust. You can protect your corn plants from pests and diseases by using a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation, and chemical controls, such as insecticides and fungicides.

How do I harvest corn?

Corn is ready to harvest when the kernels are plump and milky. To harvest corn, cut the ears of corn from the stalks with a sharp knife. Be sure to leave a few inches of the stalk attached to the ear of corn so that the kernels can dry properly.

How do I store corn?

Corn can be stored for several months if it is properly dried and stored. To dry corn, hang the ears of corn in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Once the corn is dry, remove the husks and silks and store the ears in a cool, dry place.

When to plant corn in Seattle is a question that many gardeners have. The answer depends on a few factors, including the variety of corn you are planting, the last frost date in your area, and the desired maturity date of your corn.

Generally speaking, you can plant corn in Seattle in early May, after the last frost date. However, if you are planting a late-maturing variety of corn, you may need to wait until early June.

To determine the last frost date in your area, you can consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Seattle is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, which means that the last frost date is typically around April 25th.

The desired maturity date of your corn will also affect when you should plant it. If you want to harvest your corn early, you will need to plant it earlier. If you are happy to wait for a later harvest, you can plant your corn later.

As a general rule of thumb, you should plant corn 2-3 weeks before the desired maturity date. So, if you want to harvest your corn in July, you should plant it in early June.

Here is a table that summarizes the planting dates for corn in Seattle:

| Variety | Last Frost Date | Desired Maturity Date | Planting Date |
|—|—|—|—|
| Early Corn | April 25th | June 15th | May 1st |
| Mid-Season Corn | April 25th | July 1st | May 15th |
| Late-Season Corn | April 25th | August 1st | May 25th |

By following these planting guidelines, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown corn all summer long.