When to Plant Corn in Colfax County, NM
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.
Colfax County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 5,131 feet, Colfax County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Colfax County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.1-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Colfax County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–8.1) is more alkaline than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Colfax County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Corn will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Corn
Corn needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 0.4" | 6.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Colfax County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Corn Planting Timeline — Colfax County, NM
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Colfax County
Growing Tips for Corn in Colfax County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after May 15 in Colfax County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Colfax County dries quickly — mulch Corn with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Colfax County receives only 16" of rain annually. Corn needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Colfax County
Ultra-early corn varieties for your season
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Colfax County, NM?
Colfax County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colfax County, NM?
Colfax County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Colfax County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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