When to plant Corn in Lecanto, FL
Corn planted in Lecanto between February 21 and March 14 matures in 60–100 days — well before the December 2 first frost.
When to Plant Corn in Lecanto, FL
June to-do list for Citrus County, Florida
Each item below is timed to Citrus County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Bring in the corn
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Lecanto, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 291 days.
At an elevation of 423 feet, Citrus County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.
Lecanto Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Corn Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lecanto
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.2) is more acidic than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Citrus County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Corn will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Corn
Corn needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Citrus County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Corn Planting Timeline — Lecanto, FL
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – Jun 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
291 days in Citrus County
Growing Tips for Corn in Lecanto
Direct sow Corn outdoors after February 14 in Citrus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Citrus County dries quickly — mulch Corn with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Citrus County, provide afternoon shade for Corn and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Lecanto
Heat-tolerant varieties that silk well in high temps
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
When should I plant Corn in Lecanto, FL?
In Lecanto, FL, plant Corn after the last frost (around February 14) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lecanto, FL for Corn?
Lecanto sits in USDA Zone 9a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Lecanto's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Lecanto's temperate climate. Lecanto averages a 292-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 14 and first frost around December 2.
Your Citrus County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Citrus 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.