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When to plant Corn in Pinal County, AZ

Aim to plant Corn in Pinal County on or after March 2; the window stays open through March 23. Pinal County's 278-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle.

When to Plant Corn in Pinal 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.

Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 3,959 feet, Pinal County receives approximately 15.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Pinal County, AZ (Zone 9a) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 23
277 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Pinal County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7-8.6

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 Pinal County's 277-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 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Pinal County, AZ

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 23
Harvest May 4 May 4 – Jun 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

277 days in Pinal County

Growing Tips for Pinal 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 Pinal County, AZ?

Pinal County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pinal County, AZ?

Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.

When should I plant Corn in Pinal County, AZ?

In Pinal County, AZ, plant Corn after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pinal County, AZ for Corn?

Pinal County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Pinal County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Pinal County's temperate climate. Pinal County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.

🌱

Your Pinal County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pinal County (Zone 9a). 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 Pinal 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.