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When to Plant Corn in Jackson County, FL

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.

Jackson County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.

At an elevation of 223 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92Β°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Jackson County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
258 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
258 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6

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 Jackson County's 258-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 β€” 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline β€” Jackson County, FL

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 – Apr 3
Harvest May 15 May 15 – Jul 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

258 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, FL?

Jackson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, FL?

Jackson County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Jackson County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.