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When to plant Corn in Rio Blanco County, CO

Rio Blanco County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Corn June 9–June 30 for the single annual harvest; the September 17 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Corn in Rio Blanco 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.

Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.

At an elevation of 6,974 feet, Rio Blanco County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.

Rio Blanco County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
107 days
Last Spring Frost June 2
107 growing days
First Fall Frost September 17

Rio Blanco County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.7

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 Rio Blanco County's 107-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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Rio Blanco County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline — Rio Blanco County, CO

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 9 Jun 9 – Jun 30
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 – Oct 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Direct Sow
July
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

107 days in Rio Blanco County

Growing Tips for Rio Blanco 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 Rio Blanco County, CO?

Rio Blanco County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rio Blanco County, CO?

Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 17.

When should I plant Corn in Rio Blanco County, CO?

In Rio Blanco County, CO, plant Corn after the last frost (around June 2) and before the first frost (around September 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rio Blanco County, CO for Corn?

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

Can Corn grow in Rio Blanco County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Rio Blanco County's temperate climate. Rio Blanco County averages a 107-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 2 and first frost around September 17.

🌱

Your Rio Blanco County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rio Blanco County (Zone 5b). 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 Rio Blanco 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.