When to Plant Corn in Butte County, CA
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.
Butte County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 144 feet, Butte County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
Butte County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Butte County's 204-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 | — | 9.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 9.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 7.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Butte County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Planting Timeline — Butte County, CA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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
204 days in Butte County
Growing Tips for Butte 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Butte County, CA?
Butte County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Butte County, CA?
Butte County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Butte County gardeners in Zone 9a 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.