When to Plant Corn in Gunnison County, CO
May to-do list for Gunnison County, Colorado
Your Gunnison County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Direct-sowing: 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.
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.
At an elevation of 7,435 feet, Gunnison County receives approximately 17.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gunnison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
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 Gunnison County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.9) is more alkaline than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Gunnison County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 180 sq ft. In Gunnison County's 90-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.6" | 4.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Gunnison 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 — Gunnison County, CO
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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
90 days in Gunnison County
Growing Tips for Corn in Gunnison County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after June 12 in Gunnison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 90.0-day growing season in Gunnison County is tight for Corn (60.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Gunnison County receives only 18" 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 Gunnison 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 Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 10.
Your Gunnison County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Gunnison County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.