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When to plant Corn in Cumberland County, IL

Plant Corn in Cumberland County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 21. Continue planting through May 12 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Corn in Cumberland County, IL

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.

Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 772 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.

Cumberland County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Cumberland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7

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 Cumberland County's 186-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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Cumberland County, IL

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Cumberland County

Growing Tips for Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, IL?

Cumberland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cumberland County, IL?

Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Corn in Cumberland County, IL?

In Cumberland County, IL, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cumberland County, IL for Corn?

Cumberland County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Cumberland County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Cumberland County's temperate climate. Cumberland County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Cumberland County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cumberland County (Zone 6b). 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 Cumberland County, IL. 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.