When to plant Corn in Orlando, FL
Plant Corn in Orlando from February 10 to March 3 in spring. Orlando sits in USDA Zone 10a, with last frost around February 3 and first frost on December 21.
When to Plant Corn in Orlando, FL
What to do in July
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
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.
Orlando, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 494 feet, Orange County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
Orlando Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Orlando
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Orange County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Corn will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 12 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange 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 — Orlando, FL
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | April 14 | Apr 14 – Jun 9 |
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 10a
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Orange County
Growing Tips for Corn in Orlando
Direct sow Corn outdoors after February 03 in Orange County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Orange 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 99°F in Orange 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 Orlando
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 Orlando, FL?
In Orlando, FL, plant Corn after the last frost (around February 3) and before the first frost (around December 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Orlando, FL for Corn?
Orlando sits in USDA Zone 10a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Orlando's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Orlando's temperate climate. Orlando averages a 322-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 3 and first frost around December 21.
Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.