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When to plant Corn in Lake County, CO

Lake County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Corn June 28–July 19 for the single annual harvest; the August 30 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Corn in Lake County, CO

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.

Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and the first fall frost is August 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 70 days.

At an elevation of 7,687 feet, Lake County receives approximately 21.2 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.

Lake County, CO (Zone 5a) Very short season
70 days
Last Spring Frost June 21
70 growing days
First Fall Frost August 30

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 Lake County's 70-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Corn Planting Timeline — Lake County, CO

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 28 Jun 28 – Jul 19
Harvest August 30 Aug 30 – Oct 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

70 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, CO?

Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 21. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, CO?

Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and first fall frost is August 30.

When should I plant Corn in Lake County, CO?

In Lake County, CO, plant Corn after the last frost (around June 21) and before the first frost (around August 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County, CO for Corn?

Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Lake County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 70-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 21 and first frost around August 30.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake 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.

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 Lake County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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