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When to plant Corn in Pitkin County, CO

Pitkin County's short 83-day growing season means one Corn planting between June 23 and July 14. No fall crop in Zone 5a.

When to Plant Corn in Pitkin 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.

Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.

At an elevation of 6,411 feet, Pitkin County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°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.

Pitkin County, CO (Zone 5a) Very short season
83 days
Last Spring Frost June 16
83 growing days
First Fall Frost September 7

Pitkin 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 Pitkin County's 83-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Corn Planting Timeline — Pitkin County, CO

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 23 Jun 23 – Jul 14
Harvest August 25 Aug 25 – Oct 20

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

83 days in Pitkin County

Growing Tips for Pitkin 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 Pitkin County, CO?

Pitkin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pitkin County, CO?

Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.

When should I plant Corn in Pitkin County, CO?

In Pitkin County, CO, plant Corn after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pitkin County, CO for Corn?

Pitkin 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 Pitkin County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Pitkin County's temperate climate. Pitkin County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.

🌱

Your Pitkin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pitkin 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 Pitkin County, CO. 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.