When to plant Corn in Merced County, CA
Aim to plant Corn in Merced County on or after March 3; the window stays open through March 24. Merced County's 278-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle.
When to Plant Corn in Merced 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.
Merced County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Merced County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Merced 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 Merced 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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Merced County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Planting Timeline — Merced County, CA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 24 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – Jun 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 Merced County
Growing Tips for Merced 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 Merced County, CA?
Merced County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Merced County, CA?
Merced County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 28.
When should I plant Corn in Merced County, CA?
In Merced County, CA, plant Corn after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Merced County, CA for Corn?
Merced 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 Merced County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Merced County's temperate climate. Merced County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 28.
Your Merced County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Merced 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.