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When to plant Corn in Apache County, AZ

Plant Corn in Apache County, between May 27 and June 17 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (143 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Corn in Apache County, AZ

Corn

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.

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. 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.

Apache County, AZ (Zone 6b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Apache County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.7

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 Apache County's 143-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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 0.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Apache County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline — Apache County, AZ

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 – Jun 17
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

143 days in Apache County

Growing Tips for Apache County

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 Apache County, AZ?

Apache County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Corn in Apache County, AZ?

In Apache County, AZ, plant Corn after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Apache County, AZ for Corn?

Apache County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Apache County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Apache County's temperate climate. Apache County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around October 10.

🌱

Your Apache County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Apache County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.