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When to plant Corn in Okaloosa County, FL

Corn planted in Okaloosa County between March 21 and April 11 matures in 60–100 days — well before the November 16 first frost.

When to Plant Corn in Okaloosa County, FL

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.

Okaloosa County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.

At an elevation of 396 feet, Okaloosa County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Okaloosa County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
247 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
247 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Okaloosa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-5.8

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 Okaloosa County's 247-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 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Okaloosa County, FL

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

247 days in Okaloosa County

Growing Tips for Okaloosa 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 Okaloosa County, FL?

Okaloosa County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Okaloosa County, FL?

Okaloosa County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 16.

When should I plant Corn in Okaloosa County, FL?

In Okaloosa County, FL, plant Corn after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Okaloosa County, FL for Corn?

Okaloosa County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Okaloosa County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Okaloosa County's temperate climate. Okaloosa County averages a 247-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 16.

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Your Okaloosa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Okaloosa County (Zone 9a). 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 Okaloosa County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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