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When to Plant Corn in Red River Parish, LA

Corn is a warm-season grass grown for its sweet ears, which are best eaten soon after harvest. It is wind-pollinated and must be planted in blocks for good kernel fill.

Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 477 feet, Red River Parish receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.

Red River Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Red River Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Corn to Grow

1-2 ears
Average yield per plant
15
Plants per person
30 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Red River Parish's 253-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Corn

Corn needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Red River Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline β€” Red River Parish, LA

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jul 12

Plant 1" deep Β· 12" apart Β· Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

253 days in Red River Parish

Growing Tips for Red River Parish

Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than single rows for proper pollination. Direct sow after soil reaches 60F. Side-dress with nitrogen when plants are knee-high.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Corn in Red River Parish, LA?

Red River Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Red River Parish, LA?

Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Red River Parish gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Red River Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.